Obama’s unveils earmark requests
Thursday, June 21st, 2007 1:23 pmDemocratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is getting ready to deliver a big speech on government reform tomorrow, and in the lead up the Illinois senator’s revealed his earmark requests.
It’s rare that these much-reviled “pork” requests are made public, though it fits in with Obama’s wish to be considered the guy who will change the way government does business.
Ordinarily, congressmen like to say what they get, but rarely will they say what they ask for. Think about it: If you’d asked for something and aren’t on the list, wouldn’t you be steamed?
At any rate, Obama looks like he’s paying attention to the needs of the Rock Island Arsenal. His 113 requests, which were made public today, include four for the Arsenal that add up to $21.5 million.
Half of that is for factory equipment that can be used in making armor kits for Humvees and other vehicles.
During the days when the factory got little work, it didn’t have the money to keep up with equipment needs, says Jimmy Morgan of the Rock Island Arsenal Development Group. So now they’re trying to catch up.
The last couple years, the Arsenal has gotten about $6 million to $7 million for equipment annually.
Also on Obama’s list: $8 million for the I-74 bridge, $1.6 million for the Western Illinois University campus project in Moline, $500,000 for the entrace to Sunset Marina in Rock Island and $750,000 to replace a couple water towers in Aledo.
Also on the list is $24 million for Mississippi River locks expansion. Most of the work would be done closer to St. Louis than here. But it’s still a big deal for farmers and shippers around here who like it — and a lot of environmentalists who don’t.
Of course, these are just Obama’s requests. We’ll see how the senator comes through. And we’ll check in on his speech tomorrow, too.
June 24th, 2007 at 10:41 am
Obama is more interesting in “Pork” for Illinois that reform of Congress at this time. What is needed is real reform in Congress and let us deminish the influence of “Lobbiest” in the process. Especially those who are big donors to campaigns or family members. Good example is Tom Harkin’s wife and her lobby efforts and pay from companies and countries.