I don’t think that this can be made more explicit, honestly.
“…as long as I’m Speaker, there will be no earmarks.”
…Good. The problem with earmarks is very simple: it encourages Members of Congress to think of the budget as their private piggy bank from which to reward loyal constituents. The lack of that semi-traditional largess is probably one major reason why current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants all of us to die in a grease fire, and I for one am well-pleased by his reaction. I’m not fond of Harry Reid, either.
Moe Lane (crosspost)
PS: This is not exactly ‘fear’ on John Boehner’s part. More like ‘acute wariness.’ The man understands that this issue is firmly on the other side of a very bright line.
Feet, fire, some assembly required
I’m not sure if this is a case of us holding his feet to the fire here, it’s rather obvious that this election is a golden opportunity to make sure Harry Reid loses his Majority Leadership in the Senate.
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What surprises me is that Boehner is suddenly acting in such an aggressive manner, but I think it’s a welcome change.