The Obama campaign seems committed to criticizing Governor Palin for having requested earmarks for her state–something that all governors do. Given Obama’s unwillingness to own up to his impressive record for pork-barreling, it’s useful to take a look at how Senator Obama has voted on anti-pork amendments offered by Senator Tom Coburn in the current Congress. Against three amendments to kill three pork-barrel projects and redirect the money to housing for victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Against an amendment to shift transportation funds from bike paths and to structurally deficient bridges. Against an amendment to cut the $100 million taxpayer subsidy for the 2008 party political conventions. Against an amendment to express the sense of the Senate that there is a moral obligation to offset the cost of new spending.Against an amendment to shift unspent Department of Agriculture funds to farm assistance. Against an amendment to kill the Advanced Technology Program — regarded by many as a classic example of corporate welfare. Failed to vote on an amendment to kill John Murtha’s pork-barrel NDIC and spend the money on counter-drug intelligence. Failed to vote on an amendment to prioritize Sacramento flood protection over more sand for San Diego beaches. Failed to vote on an amendment to prioritize UN assistance for life-saving programs over those demonstrated to be corrupt. Against an amendment to cut 6 out of 600 earmarks from an appropriations bill, and use the $1.6 million in savings to increase funding for solving civil rights crimes. Against an amendment to eliminate all pork-barrel projects until Congress provides health care for all American children. Against an amendment to express the sense of the Senate that the cost of new spending should be offset. Against an amendment to require Congress to re-assess the America Competes Act after four years.
