Pay to play. It's never really been a secret in Washington, D.C., but the egregiousness of this practice is just starting to rear its ugly head.
In today's Roll Call , it is being reported that longtime Rep. Jack Murtha's (D-PA) campaign was well funded by those for whom he secured earmarks. When he was in the fight for his political life last fall, Rep. Murtha cashed in chips he had accumulated through earmarking.
As you know, I've long railed against this practice. It's completely unethical, irresponsible and an incredible waste of your tax dollars. Governor Blagojevich's recent scandal in allegedly trying to sell a U.S. Senate seat is just another example of the 'Pay to Play' mentality.
It's time we end this practice once and for all.
With the new administration's focus on change, I've offered a new piece of legislation aimed at cutting the connection between earmarks and campaign contributions by clarifying that campaign contributions do, in fact, constitute a "financial interest" that often influence congressional earmarking.
A piece ran in today's Roll Call about my efforts. I encourage you to read it here.
I'd appreciate hearing back from you about this or any other issue you may be concerned about.
Best Regards,
Jeff Flake
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