Yesterday House Republicans forced a vote on their proposed earmark moratorium, which Speaker Pelosi had declined to implement. The measure was defeated, but the depth of support for it was stunning. There have been many earmark votes in the House and Senate in recent years — on proposed amendments by people like Jeff Flake and Tom Coburn. They’ve regularly been defeated by overwhelming margins. Congressional leaders of both parties have frequently downplayed the importance of earmarks and described the issue as a red herring. Despite the track record, the moratorium got the votes of all House Republicans and 7 House Democrats. It was defeated by a margin of 204-196 — so it got about 200 more votes than you should have expected. House Republicans see this as an issue whose time has come, and one which can help them restore their brand on fiscal responsibility. With John McCain as the near-certain nominee, they will for the first time have a top-of-the-ticket candidate who brings credibility on the issue. Democrats meanwhile, are still living in the past:
Earmarking and pork-barrel projects are unlikely to be the top issue of 2008, but it will give Republicans an advantage on reform and on fiscal issues — which will be important.
