Biggest Government Porkers of 2009 Named by Group

The polls are open for the annual Porker of the Year vote from Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), and the Democrats have an early lead with four out of the six nominees.

The Nominees:

Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii: According to CAGW, Abercrombie ranked first in earmarks in the House in 2009 with 44 projects worth $256.8 million and fifth in the House in 2008 with 29 projects worth $153.6 million

Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-Missouri: The organization alleges the congressman “grossly misrepresented” to his constituents the costs associated with the health care reforms bills currently under consideration in Congress.

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts: Frank made the list for “rewarding failure” with taxpayer dollars. His support of TARP and his “irresponsible defense” of the activities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over the years earned him a top spot on CAGW’s porker list.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas: Hutchison made CAGW’s list for requesting 149 projects worth $1.6 billion for authorization and appropriations bills for fiscal year 2010, this while claiming to be a fiscal conservative.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: CAGW credited LaHood with a “long-standing disregard for the taxpayers’ money.”

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California: Waters made the list for her attempt to "placate her need for recognition." CAGW says the congresswoman provoked a tussle with House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., over her intention to obtain an earmark for the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, a facility within the Los Angeles school system.

The Porker of the Year contest runs until February 1. To cast your vote, visit www.cagw.org/porkeroftheyear.

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