Not What Voters Want

On November 30, the lame duck session of the Senate voted on a ban of earmarks. The proposal was voted down with the help of eight Republicans who voted to against the ban. Those voting to keep sending the pork home were:

Bob Bennett (UT)
Thad Cochran (MS)
Susan Collins (ME)
James Inhofe (OK)
Dick Lugar (IN)
Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Richard Shelby (AL)
George Voinovich (OH)

Bennett had nothing to lose as he was ousted during Utah's primary caucus. Perhaps this was his way of "sticking it" to the Tea Party voters who were instrumental in defeating him.

Cochran's vote was no surprise. With the death of Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Cochran became the king of pork. According to Citizens Against Government Waste, Cochran sent more earmark money home than any other senator; over $490 million. Voters need to remember he comes up for re-election in 2014.

Inhofe's vote seems to be a bit of a surprise. Considered one of the most conservative senators, he is also up for re-election in 2014.

Lugar will seek re-election in two years. His seat is sure to be a target of conservatives if he doesn't start legislating like a real Republican.

Murkowski's vote isn't a surprise at all. She lost in the primary to Joe Miller. Instead of playing by the rules and accepting the outcome, she felt it was more important to stay in power than to follow the will of the voters. She pulled out all the stops and will certainly continue to legislate the way she wants to, regardless of what voters want.

Voinovich is retiring so it seems he had nothing to lose with this vote. Still, it's a disappointment considering his history of service first as mayor of Cleveland, then Governor of Ohio before becoming a Senator.

Collins is one of the fence riding Republicans, not at all considered a conservative. She's not up for re-election until 2014.

Shelby's vote could be considered a mild surprise. Usually conservative, he does have a history of voting against the party. He seems to enjoy making a name for himself as much as doing the right thing. Unfortunately, he was just re-elected so Alabama voters won't have a chance to vote for a more conservative choice for another six years.

Banning earmarks could have sent a very strong message; a message that the GOP truly is listening to what voters around the country want. We want smaller government and less spending. Shame on these Senators for continuing the "politics as usual" that we all want changed.