Pork Alert - Rick Boucher
By Daniel Gilbert
Reporter / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: June 9, 2008U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher does not use the word “earmark.”
True, he submits them like his congressional colleagues, but eschews what has become a byword for pork-barrel spending.
“Congressionally directed spending” is how the 9th District Democrat characterizes the $2.7 million he single-handedly secured for 10 projects in his district. He collaborated with House colleagues to get money for additional projects.
“Members of Congress understand the priority needs of their congressional districts better than any other member of government,” Boucher said in a telephone interview last week, endorsing the earmark process with the proper restraints.
Recipients of Boucher’s earmarks range from local law enforcement to universities to a nonprofit providing assistance to the economically needy. Notably, no for-profit entities make the list.
“I do not request funding for any for-profit corporations,” Boucher said. “There have been abuses. Duke Cunningham” – the California congressman convicted of doling out lucrative contracts in exchange for bribes – “comes to mind.”
Boucher, who has held his seat since 1989, said he typically requests money for “public infrastructure, education and essential public services.”
Those earmarks are one of the reasons Boucher has won election after election. Jerry has Boucher Is Part Of The Problem. Indeed.
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