John "Porky' Kline

Rep. John Kline is busy right now ‘struggling’ with over 1,700 ‘earmarks’.

Yes that’s right, Kline along with House Republicans are trying to move a labor, health and human service (HHS) appropriation bill through the house that contains a corral full of porkers. The GOP leadership believe these 'earmarks' will help them in their November reelection bids.

Instead of real solutions to America's problems, Kline and the GOP house offers voters...more pork. Minnesotans would rather have a balanced budget, an end to the war, affordable health insurance, better access to education, lower gas prices, and economic security for their families.

According to The Hill:

Few lawmakers publicly concede the importance of earmarks to their own campaigns, but several acknowledge the benefit of voting to bring federal money home before the midterms.

“I think it’s helpful on the campaign trail,” said Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), whose projects include $600,000 for the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

“It’s important, particularly for members in tight races.”Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said leadership will be under pressure to move the bill before the November election.

“We’re in an election season, and members have come to believe that the path to reelection is paved with pork,” Flake said. “This bill is full of it.”

“Obviously,members like earmarks,” Regula said. “There are a lot of them in our bill.”