Happenings: McKeon and Earmarks, a Love/Hate Relationship

I don’t think this needs any commentary. Just read the excerpts and pay particular attention to the word "earmark."

From CNN on October 31, 2007[1]:
“In tiny Bishop, California, Rep. Buck McKeon, R-California, wants to build a museum honoring the mule.

McKeon has requested a $50,000 earmark to explore the possibility of building a museum in the town that every Memorial Day weekend holds the biggest mule celebration in the United States.

It might sound preposterous, but McKeon is doing what many of his House colleagues are doing -- appropriating federal funds for pet projects back home.

McKeon has requested funds for studying the feasibility of building the museum and providing support for operations.

McKeon defended the earmark in a statement sent to CNN as supporting economic development in his district.”


Press Release from U.S. Rep. Buck McKeon’s website on January 31, 2008:
"Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) joins House Republicans in challenging Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic leadership to enact meaningful earmark reform by supporting the creation of a bipartisan Earmark Reform Joint Committee.

'It has become glaringly obvious that the current earmarking process needs to be addressed and reformed,' stated McKeon. 'Sadly, we have seen earmark abuse from members on both sides of the aisle, but to date, Republicans are the only ones taking steps to tackle the issue.'"

And the worst part is, it was McKeon's own people who decided to draw attention to that quotation with the italics. Oy vey!


[1] “Bucks for mule museum cause brays” by Drew Griffin and Kathleen Johnston
[2] “McKeon Encourages Democrats to Answer Republican Call for Earmark Reform”
[3] Incidentally, my sister owns a mule and has actually taken it to Bishop to participate in the Mule Days event mentioned in the CNN piece. No, really, I’m serious. Below are pictures of her large pet: