Murkowski Loss Underscores Trend: Appropriators Are Biting the Dust

Given the incessant, irritating TV commercials she's constantly running, one might wonder if Patty Murray (D-WA) didn't appropriate more than a few $$ for her own re-election campaign... And she's *still* not winning!!

Sorry, the fringe may win the primaries, but in the general they'll be out in right field and miss the drives up the center.

Murkowski was another moderate Republican; she spent 20 times the money that Miller did. She voted with democrats more than any other Republican (other than olympia snowe and susan collins). Republicans want REAL REPUBLICANS.

Bout time, but Thane is right. Any Congressman Senator can hold up unrelated legislation to get an earmark. Now if the voters could only remember history that goes back more than couple of weeks, oh, what they could accomplish.

What is odd about commentary like this is that it is overlooking the fact that membership on the appropriations committees goes to longer term incumbents, who naturally are feeling the pressures of time in office and the anti-incumbency mood caused by the economic situation and the poisonous climate in the press and from "know-nothing" slash-and-burn "wholesale" TV ad campaigns which confuse their relentless ad hominem attacks with effective campaigning tactics, forgetting their putative template, former Pres. Reagan, won not with his savage assaults of 1976 but his "nice" campaign in 1980.[Although, if they are the only tactics being used they are de facto effective even if largely counterproductive :)] as well as these members often being people who are at a period when they want to move on in different directions politically and try for other seats. It is confusing the situation as a causative factor rather than as a subsequent result. I can assure you in OH the Dems are relieved to not face Sen. Voinovich again facing the pasting he used to give us. And Mr. Toomey in PA is relieved to not have to fight Mr. Specter again this time across the aisle, although hopefully [being a Dem as I am -grin!] former Admiral Sestak will make him unhappy come the general election nonetheless. The only real difference I can see this election is that immense amounts of money are being spent early on by businesses with ties to legislation their interests are directly concerned with throughreal or semi-bogus political action committees securely under the thumb of their candidates or the major parties' arms for each chamber. Cordially yours, Daniel I. Radakovich former US Senate candidate-OH 2000 Dem primary

My my, the American people have awoken! Thank goodness. The belief that "money from Washington is free" has finally been thoroughly discredited. Here are the facts everyone, we need more makers, less takers. Here's a statement EVERY PERSON running for higher office should pledge to uphold, "If it is bad for America, it cannot be good for (insert: state, city, special interest group etc.). These thieves in Congress have been buying off the American public with borrowed (or stolen) money for years. This caper is finally over!

I think this is a misdiagnosis. Ending up on the Appropriation panel is an indication that you are disconnected from the voters. Ron Paul earmarks and isn't ashamed of it and gets re-elected.

Thank you, Mr. Lewis! Good news! The voters are paying attention.

Three things that would right our government quickly, are: 1.Individual taxpayer funding of campaigns, eliminating all special interests and limiting funds that would make politicians more concerned about using their funds to promote their own qualifications, rather than spend on constant attacks on their opponent. 2. One issue per bill...no riders. This will bring ALL pork spending into the light of day. 3. Bring public officeholders pay, pensions, and healthcare benefits into line with the private sector. Who gets 100% pension after working for only 4 or 6 years? Who gets guaranteed lifetime health benefits when they leave their place of employment? Who writes the laws that allow these things, and includes wording that insulates the officeholders against termination for wrongdoing, as would take place in the private sector in a NY minute? There is much to be done to correct what we, the voters, have allowed to happen. We will be making a good start in the 2010 elections, and again in 2012, and 2014, which will include ousting the newcomers if they prove themselves fickle.