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DEL.ICIO.USGa. Republicans to Bush: ‘That ain’t pork’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
President Bush released a record $3 trillion budget proposal for 2009 on Monday and he’s left at least three Georgia Republicans stomping their feet, and shouting at him.
Bush included in that budget no construction money for the expansion of Savannah Harbor, upsetting both of Georgia’s Republican senators - Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss - along with Rep. Jack Kingston, a Savannah Republican and member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Kingston called Bush’s action a “shock and disappointment.”
The expansion project includes deepening the harbor from its current 42 feet to 48 feet to allow for larger cargo ships to dock there. Bush is providing $700,000 for planning and design work but nothing for construction.
The three lawmakers vowed to add construction money to the budget as it moves through Congress. They didn’t say how much they’d seek, but Kingston said that with the public down on “pork barrel” spending, it’s going to be harder than ever to get the additional money.
“This is the type of investment that would put Georgians back to work at a time when we need to revive the economy,” Kingston said. “We will work hard but, with the backlash against earmarks, getting funding will be an uphill battle.”
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Comments
By Whitney
February 4, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Jack should remember is pledge not to seek earmarks. How quickly he forgets, when his president doesn’t honor his request for his constituents allocation.
By McCainiac
February 4, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I guess we’re going to need Isakson and Chambliss to work with President McCain next year to include this money in the budget.
By Churchill
February 4, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
McClame has spent years ticking off Republicans and now wants my conservative vote? McClame would rather work with libs than stand up for his “conservative” principles. No way does this Reagan conservative vote for a liberal McCain.
Vote for Mitt Romney tomorrow.
By Craig
February 4, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Bush has squandered our national treasure with his disastrous war in Iraq. He had the full support of all three of these clowns. When you lay down with dogs, gentlemen, you’re likely to get fleas.
By Wackolibhack
February 4, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
It is Bush’s fault that dogs have fleas. I hate Bush. Craig hates Bush, also.
By RJ
February 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
” Kingston said. “We will work hard but, with the backlash against earmarks, getting funding will be an uphill battle.”
This is futher evidence that Kingston, Chambliss, and Isakson do not have the capabilities to deliver under a Democrat congress and a Republican President. Their delivery capabilities will be even less under a Democrat Congress and President. We expect performance. THIS IS THE YEAR TO REPLACE THEM WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR GEORGIA!!!
By Craig
February 4, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Josh Lanier for the Senate…
By OB Y'ALL
February 5, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this
Well!,well!,well! Gentlemen we wanted to get rid of the six thousand earmarks,plus,right? One man’s Earmark is another man’s economic development! Now you three blind mice can’t compete in this NEW CONGRESS, well we may need some new blood in Washington! I am always watching the gentleman from the 2nd Cong. Dist of Ga. on C-SPAN wailing against everyone in earshot about everything you can only imagine! Well now that he needs a few $$$ to help with his “Big Dig” he will become a little more pleasant in his Floor Antics! Remember gentlemen, nothing sweeps clean like A New Broom! Later Gator!
By flip wilson
February 5, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Is this the same Senator Isakson who made the phone call promising that McCain would end pork barrel spending? … Does he or does he not want that to happen?
By Tim
February 17, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Jack is one of the folks who has it right. There are earmarks that are a waste and there are those that create an investment in our future. Jack is trying to bring some sunlight onto the process and that’s the right thing to do. In my opinion, our elected folks are there to manage our present and to protect our future. Let’s all stop whining when somebody like Jack tries to do his job out in the open light of day instead of cutting back room deals! And oh by the way…McCain is just pandering to the irrational fears of those paranoid folks who think all government is bad and that there’s a terrorist behind every tree. His brand of blanket stereotyping is what perpetuates racial hatred and stymies progress!