NBC News/WSJ Poll: Ending Earmarks Americans' #1 Priority
April 27, 2006 08:26 AM
According to a NBC News / Wall Street Journal poll released today, Americans believe ending earmarks is the #1 priority for Congress to address before the end of this session:
"There is not a lot more time until Congress adjourns before the election. Which ONE of the following issues do you feel is most important for Congress to act on before it leaves Washington for recess? "
Prohibiting Members of Congress from directing federal funds to specific projects benefiting only certain constituents: 39 %
Immigration reform 32 %
Extension of tax cuts 10 %
Reform of lobbying rules 8 %
Reform of the pension system 6%
Other (VOL) 2 %
Not sure 3%
The WSJ report is here, and the full text of the poll and results are here (PDF).
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You think the folks back home love those earmarks, right? Guess again, Bunko Boy! And Girl! [Read More]
Interesting. I've often thought the public cares about this stuff (and gets this stuff) much more than they credit for. When they see their hard-earned tax dollars doled out at a member's sole discretion to projects of dubious worth, they understand that something has gone quite wrong that can't be resolved by dropping a member or two.
But is Congress capable of systemic reform?