Redstate

By Erick Posted in Republicans — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

After my post on Congressman Blunt yesterday, Nick Simpson from Congressman Blunt's office was kind enough to call me yesterday. He made two points.

First, he said that we need to recognize that this is the floor, not the ceiling. We'll escalate from our present position on earmarks. Second, Congressman Blunt wants a committee to study the issue.

I really like Congressman Blunt. We've had the occasion to sit in his office and chat about matters. I know he gets the problem. But it pains me to see him not be bold like John Boehner and even Eric Cantor, both of who have given up their earmarks. In fact, I asked Nick if Congressman Blunt intended to lead on the issue by giving up personal earmarks. He did not say no, but he did not say yes, either. Congressman Blunt wants a committee.

This is problematic for two reasons.

1. Kay Granger, the fifth ranking Republican in the House, is widely reported to have told Congressman Jeff Flake that she'd rather give the open seat on Appropriations to a Democrat than to Jeff Flake.

2. Congressman Blunt is widely believed to have scuttled the earmarks moratorium that John Boenher was so very close to getting from Republican members. Despite statements from others, Congressman Blunt categorically denies this one.

It pains me to do this, but I believe it is necessary.

Below the fold are the addresses for the six major newspapers in Congressman Roy Blunt's Congressional District. There are also talking points. If you live in Congressman Blunt's district or within the vicinity of his district, I encourage you to write these local newspapers and, through their pages, urge Congressman Blunt to give up personal earmarks.

Here are some basic talking points:

- A number of Republicans and Democrats in Congress have gone to jail because of corruption arising from earmarks.

- The Republican Leader in the House and Republican Deputy Whip have both sworn off personal earmarks requests because they recognize just how corrupting and irresponsible the process is. Congressman Blunt has not.

- The only way Congressman Blunt is going to be able to prove he is serious about reforming the way Congress spends taxpayer money is to swear off personal earmarks.

Here are the newspapers. Remember to include your name, your address, and a telephone number (don't worry, it won't be published).

Joplin Business Journal
PO Box 670
Joplin, MO 64802-0670

Joplin Globe
PO Box 7
Joplin, MO 64802

News-Leader
651 Boonville
Springfield, MO 65806

Springfield Business Journal
313 Par Central West
Springfield, MO 65806

The Carthage Press
PO Box 678
Carthage, MO 64836

Neosho Daily News
1006 W. Harmony
Neosho, MO 64850