Obama Wanted Earmarks For Wife's Hospital, Fundraiser's Firm

Media outlets have begun digging into Barack Obama's 2005 and 2006 earmark requests. Obama released them yesterday, and challenged Hillary Clinton to do the same. The New York Times reports:

His campaign's list said the senator had secured $1.3 million of an $8 million request in 2006 for a high-explosive technology program for the Army's Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The list said the program was overseen by General Dynamics.

One of Mr. Obama's top supporters, James S. Crown, serves on the board of General Dynamics, a military contractor. Mr. Crown is a member of Mr. Obama's national finance committee.

Mr. Obama also secured $750,000 of a $3 million request for renovation of a space center named for Mr. Crown's grandfather, Henry Crown, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

In addition to the University of Illinois, Mr. Obama secured several million dollars for a project at Chicago State University. Emil Jones Jr., the president of the Illinois State Senate and an early and powerful political benefactor of Mr. Obama's, has been a dogged champion of Chicago State, and one of Senator Obama's closest friends. A Chicago businessman, James Reynolds, sits on its board.

But Bill Burton, a spokesman for Mr. Obama, said these requests had all been considered worthwhile by the senator's staff, and that Mr. Obama never discussed any of them with Mr. Crown, Mr. Jones or Mr. Reynolds.

Also: "In among them was a request for $1 million in federal funding in 2006 for a new pavilion at the University of Chicago Hospitals, where his wife, Michelle Obama, was a vice president at the time. The request was not ultimately included when Congress passed spending legislation that year, according to the Obama campaign."

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Read a HuffPost blog by Barack Obama

Comments

[2008andbeyond]

The Clinton Clan falls even further. Their only "hope" is to make people believe that Obama is as dirty as their girl. NIce. Politics by dirt and division, bringing people together with the goal of tearing them apart. What a wonderful outlook you havve for the nation.


Seeing as how all three candidates voted against earmarks for the new year and the bill passed overwhelmingly, the problem seems to be with the Senate as a body not these indivudals. If you want to be critical, McCain comes out on top for always being against earmarks. Hillary comes out the worst because she spent the most and has still yet to release her details. Or relase her first lady papers. Or her tax returns. Notice a pattern? So why are you supporting Hillary over either of these two guys if this issue matters so much?

[Roshi98]

Obama dishes out the pork, but somehow it's Hillary's fault. Grow up.

[2008andbeyond]

Reply to Roshi98:
Who blamed Hill for Obama's earmarks? My point is if this topic matters so much, why blast him while defending Hillary. McCain beats both of them on this issue while Hill looks the worst at this point.

Are you dumb, dense or desperate?

[2008andbeyond]

Who blamed Hill for Obama's earmarks? My point is if this topic matters so much, why blast him while defending Hillary. McCain beats both of them on this issue while Hill looks the worst at this point.

Are you dumb, dense or desperate?

[AnninCA]

No, Hillary supporters don't have to do much other than comment on the news he's making.

Rezko.....­...may get called to the stand, I hear.
Earmarks..­......nice way to fund your own wife's salary out of taxpayer dollars
NAFTA.....­....Dang that aide for documenting the meeting *wink wink*
Race Baiting...­....Dang, how DID that memo guiding surrogates as to how to stir up the masses slip out to the press, anyway?
Samantha..­.......Lor­dy, did she have to be so honest and tell everyone that my Iraqui withdrawal plan was all hooey?
Michelle..­......Hone­y, please don't mention that we hate America
Reverand..­.....Why DID you tape those sermans?

The only place where I've been mean is pointing out that this hooey that he's somehow "The Ones You've Been Waiting For" is just that......­hooey.

He's a Chicago politician with a weak state legislative record and a real bent for getting caught lying.

Now, if you still want to vote for him, that's fine.

But be honest about who you're supporting.

And be even more honest that this is more about hating Hillary. Bet you my last buck most of the posters here aren't even registered Dems.

And yet they squawk about how the Republicans crossed over.

[SLone08]

Peter Paul- She's a Co-Defendant, not just someone associated with the case. That's not going away.

Earmarks- She's way worse than him.

Mark Penn- nuff said

Every 90's scandal associated with the Clintons (I'll name them if you want)- do you think that if she's the nominee, the GOP isn't going to remind everyone about that.

Iraq- Didn't read the Intel, voted to go to War, Made the assertion that Al-Qaeda and Iraq were interconnected, Refuses to admit she was wrong.

Iran- Voted for Kyl/Lieberman; are you ready for Iraq part 2?

Special Interests- SHE HAS TAKEN MORE MONEY FROM SPECIAL INTERESTS THAN EITHER OBAMA OR MCCAIN!

Tax Returns

Library Donors

Norman Tsu

Cattle Futures...

[SLone08]

Peter Paul- She's a Co-Defendant, not just someone associated with the case. That's not going away.

Earmarks- She's way worse than him.

Mark Penn- nuff said

Every 90's scandal associated with the Clintons (I'll name them if you want)- do you think that if she's the nominee, the GOP isn't going to remind everyone about that.

Iraq- Didn't read the Intel, voted to go to War, Made the assertion that Al-Qaeda and Iraq were interconnected, Refuses to admit she was wrong.

Iran- Voted for Kyl/Lieberman; are you ready for Iraq part 2?

Special Interests- SHE HAS TAKEN MORE MONEY FROM SPECIAL INTERESTS THAN EITHER OBAMA OR MCCAIN!

Tax Returns

Library Donors

Norman Tsu

[rvme]

Oh my Obama is a Politican

[RevRick]

So Obama has been completely transparent regarding his earmarks and Clinton has not.

I can only assume that these are the closest thing to conflicts of interest that the press has been able to find.

He tried but failed to get money for a hospital his wife works at, he got money for a State University and a contract for a large employer in his state and strangely people who support him supported the same things.

Must…..say­…..somethi­ng…….sarca­stic…..

The man is obviously hopelessly corrupt we can’t afford to have a president that openly wants money for healthcare, education, and jobs.


Whew sorry had to get that off my chest.

[AnninCA]

It's been pointed out that's just more Obama BS. It's public record.

[RevRick]

Could you post a source for those claims?

According to:

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Earmarks

“One of the most common criticisms regarding earmarking is that the process lacks transparency. As noted above, lawmakers are able to (and often do) insert earmarks during the conference phase of legislation, once debate has ceased. In addition, members of Congress may introduce earmarks anonymously, making it difficult for constituents to follow the actions of his/her legislator­.”

The article says a bills were passed by both houses that would have ended anonymous earmarks however the House and Senate were never able to agree on a final bill to send to The President.

There was some talk of the Senate changing their own rules to end anonymous earmarks but they never did.

Not saying your wrong, I am genuenly currious.

[TabysGrandma]

Earmarks are NOT public record. If you are going to keep posting at least get your facts straight. If you look up any bill you will NOT see earmarks listed and most Senators keep them quiet. Very few are made public by the Senator that requests them. I seriously hope you are not a Policial Science major or have degree in it because if you do, God help us all.

[Countess]

Earmarks are bad whether they belong to Obama or Clinton and at least he has made his public. Earmarks as bad as they are can never keep up with the the terrible human and economic costs of this stupid war in Iraq which Clinton supported until it became a political liability.

[Roshi98]

You're wrong. Most earmarks are used for the public good, such as improving schools and hospitals, providing health clinics to low-income and rural communities, building roads, improving infrastructure. Earmarks are pulled from existing proposed budget items, not the discretionary spending bill which is funding Iraq, so this is money that has already been allocated.

[rollingdivision]

Earmarks are pulled from existing proposed budget items. So, for each earmark money is pulled from other projects eliminating other projects for the public good. It would be best to include each worthy project in the bills voted on by the full house and senate.

[nohat]

Here we go.

[AnninCA]

Lynn Sweeny's article summarizes just how Obama is spinning like a top, getting caught in his own lies.

Good going, Lynn......

[NC4Obama]

Where is Hillary's ear marks, or pardon record, or records of what she did in the WH, or her tax returns, or donations to BC foundation­....

O and Lynn Sweeny is a hack.

[Roshi98]

Hillary never pardoned anyone! What the hell.

And the issue of WH records is a myth, there is NO official restriction on the release of documents. As the National Archives made clear, each of the millions of documents must be vetted, according to federal law, to ensure no national security information is accidentally revealed. Since there are only, at any given time, only six people sifting through this mountain of papers and verifying what information is and isn't classified, it takes a really, really long time to release any document.

Donations to the BC Foundation, again, Bill, not Hillary. Stop confusing the two.

[TonyGarbanzo]

Hill's records will be released after she gets the nomination. Or not. She could just refuse to release them. Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton-Bush anyone?

[AnninCA]

Obama also refuses to show his house papers involving Rezko.

The pardon records are from aides to Bill. Hillary didn't have anything to do with the pardons.

Tax returns will be available on April 15. Obama has refused to share prior years of taxes, so you can actually see more of the Clintons tax history than his at this point. It's public information.

And Obama has refused all press requests for his work-related schedule documents from Illinois. Said he threw it away. *haha

So he's not on solid ground here asking anyone for anything.

[POINT84]

"Spinning"?? Hahaha, Obama released them himself!

Let me get this straight he is a hypocrite for releasing forms on himself, that not only incriminate him but leave him open to criticism by the likes of Lynn. This helps Obama??...­geez!!! Maybe you're right, what a hypocrite he is, how dare he do the RIGHT thing for political gain, he obviously should have take the high ground just like Hillary.

I would really love to watch Sweeny's top pop right off when Hillary releases hers..Oh wait...tha­ts right, no chance in hell

[2008andbeyond]

You are preaching logic. Hillary fans get flustered by such things. Expect a flurry of emotional responses blasting you or nothing, as logic enters their brains as easily as a VHS tape into a DVD player.

[NC4Obama]

Also why would someone who is corrupt pass transparency laws and ethics reform laws like...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Funding_Accountability_and_Transparency_Act_of_2006
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honest_Leadership_and_Open_Government_Act
The new law will require lawmakers seeking targeted spending projects, or earmarks, to divulge their plans in advance. So he helped make and pass a bill that made people show their earmarks.

[TonyGarbanzo]

ARRRGH! It's Lynn SWEET! Just like a Clintonista, playing fast and loose with the facts.
heh

[1dogs2]

Here's today's lesson in critical thinking, AnninCA. First, get your basic facts straight. The author of the piece you are referring to is Lynn SWEET, not Sweeny.

Second, identify your source and its bias. Sweet is the Washington Bureau chief of, and writes for, the Chicago Sun Times, a publication that consists of more ads than news. Such news as it contains is largely focused on human interest stories and whatever the scandal of the day is. In terms of its quality, the Sun Times is to the Chicago Tribune as the New York Post is to the New York Times. Further, Sweet has relentlessly (some might say obsessively) pursued Obama on the Rezko connection for over a year and long after equally agressive and more highly regarded Chicago reporters concluded that there is no "there" there.

Finally, read her piece to see whether she provided a single source for her version of the facts. When you have determined that she didn't, ask yourself about both the one-sided and incomplete account she has given (i.e., her failure to question just as relentlessly Clinton's refusal to make her ear-marks public and the lack of analysis of the worthiness of the ear-marks Obama sought) and the tone of her conclusions regarding Obama. Then ask yourself whether this is a news article or an opinion piece. Finally, ask yourself whether her column is a reliable source or a deeply partisan hit-piece. Then decide whether you are interested in truth and rational discussion or spin and blind partisanship.

[AnninCA]

Can't discuss it, uh?

[2008andbeyond]

You smacked down Annin's foolishness quite well. I doubt it will help her as she is in the matrix, but if any impartial or undecideds read this post, you at least cut the spin and state the facts. Those do still matter to those not hypnotised by Camp Clinton.

[colette]

Major point, folks --- Snowcat's! "Clinton has delivered $500 million worth of earmarks benefitting 59 corporatio­ns."

If you do not make public your earmarks, your tax returns, the donors to your husband's library-- guess what? Nobody can criticize them, or hold you accountable for them! Then you can just bash others for a lesser version of your own sins.

Will HC have any integrity left at the end of this race?

[Roshi98]

Well, what were most of those earmarks designated for? Health care, education, drug dependency programs, after-school and pre-school programs, veterans affairs, infrastructure, and broadband access for rural upstate communities. Not all earmarks are evil, indeed, they have been used for over 100 years to build roads, schools, housing, and hospitals. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater - not everything in these appropriations is pork.

[2008andbeyond]

I'm now not sure she had any when the race started.

Funny isn't it, that her supporters get all bombastic: "he was asked since June to release them and just now did it!" When pointed out to them that Hill still hasn't released hers, or her tax returns or her co-presidency of experience library donors, the only response is, what?

He's a dirty hack!
He's pro-black!
He's a muslim!

Desperation people. Not an attractive look on anyone.

[KYJurisDoctor]

OINK, OINK!

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/03/oink-oink-senate-declines-to-ban.html#links

[57andfemale]

How very interesting. CLinton refuses to make transparent her earmarks, but the piece is written as a hit piece against Obama. Did I miss the line where Hillary was asked as well?

What numbers are out there (and verifiable if anyone wants to do journalism): Obama was in the bottom 10th percent of earmarks. HIllary was in the top 10. She's been called the Earmark Queen. And she will not release the list.

. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aXWIZU3DOyr4

And of course, the vast majority of his earmarks are for worthy and necessary projects and causes.

But hey -- just do the hit piece. That's all people read anyway.

Pick his list apart -- have at it. He was transparent and honest. But at the very least, make mention of HIllary's dodging of any acocuntability to the taxpayers. Gee, we might like not what we see and not vote for you.

But that would be honest. Ha.

[AnninCA]

Read Lynn Sweeney's fact sheet on the veracity issue. In fact, Obama has refused to reveal his earmarks since June, when the press began asking.

Also note the benefactors on several of his "charity" earmarks actually have his doners on the board.

He's just a regular employment fellow.

[Roshi98]

Uh, the earmarks for 2007 were just published last month in a comprehensive report by the Taxpayers for Common Sense. While I personally believe that not all earmarks are "pork", this report does an excellent job of collecting a lot of information on each legislator's earmark requests. In Hillary's case, according the the spreadsheet, all of her earmarks went either to education, health care, infrastructure, and some military research projects. Of the hundreds of millions of dollars listed under her name, only $98K was actually appropriated exclusively by her; the vast majority was in joint agreements with other senators.

http://www.taxpayer.net/budget/fy08earmarks/report.html

[editrix66]

I agree that earmarks can be abused, but they also fund important projects in senators' home states. There needs to be some sort of board that looks at the worthiness of those projects, but I am not going to fault senators for getting things done in their home states. We would have to look at the particular projects. And I don't know what to do about a spouse working when the other spouse is a politician. There are only 2 senators for each state, and there is only 1 senator who represents that hospital. Should the hospital not have political representation? I know there were similar problems for Clinton when Bill was governor of Arkansas, and the problem occurs hundreds of times all over this country. Spouses don't stay home anymore. I think there just have to be clear-cut rules, and legislation should be held to scrutiny.

[omaro]

Slight correction: each senator from any state represents the whole state. Otherwise, your points are right on.

[Roshi98]

This is not necessarily how the senators for each state actually approach their representative duties. In the case of NY, it's generally agreed that Hillary more represents the interests of NY north and west of Albany (for those of you unfamiliar with NY, that's a LOT of territory and primarily Republican turf) while Chuck represents everything south of the capitol. True, they both run in a general election, but if you look at who travels where (Hillary has visited upstate NY well over 300 times) and where there earmarks and appropriations travel you get a good sense of their constituencies.

[NC4Obama]

The problem with Ear marks isn't so much that they are done its that they are not transparent. If everyone knew what Earmarks a person has requested and which ones got passed then there wouldn't be very many of them that don't have a worthwhile cause. Obama supports transparency, unlike this god awful administration we are stuck with right now. The best way to stop corruption in the government is to put a big ass spot light right on top of it.

[Lesjoan]

So again a shady deal for Obama who benefited with a house and NOW his wife's raise! The audacity of HYPE!

[NC4Obama]

huh? The request was not ultimately included when Congress passed spending legislation that year.
That earmark didnt even get passed so what are you smoking.

[enoughalready13]

Can't everyone see by now that this man is just as shady a politician as the rest - TOTALLY SUSPECT - and that his message of "hope" is just a false blanket to wrap himself in because he has no other accomplishments to speak of. WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!

[idileru21]

Do you how much Hillary have recieve for the earmark so far?if you dont have the fact dont jump in to conclusion­.Mr enoughalready

[Sisyphuss]

The only thing shady is your comment.

[AnninCA]

Check out Lynn Sweeney's article for even more information.

[TonyGarbanzo]

SWEET. It's Lynn Sweet

[PerryWhite]

Michelle Obama's earnings at the hospital nearly tripled after her husband became a US senator.

[Argoth]

The burden of proof is now on you to back up what you just said. I am sure that someone like you would never say something like that without proof, right?

[netgecko99]

Her salary went from $121,910 to $316,962 when she was promoted to vice president for external affairs. Her salary is comparable to other vice presidents at the hospital.

Of course, Hillary's advancement to partner at Rose Law Firm when her husband became governor was accompanied by statements from Firm officials explicitly saying how nice it was to have connections to the governor. The state of Arkansas, where Bill was governor, was one of Rose Law Firm's biggest clients.

[TheRealMacDaddy]

You people need to get your facts straight..­. Mrs. Obama's "Raise" came as a promotion. She was a Director and was promoted to a Vice President position.

Did her husband being a Senator have anything to do with it? Probably, but I doubt there was any arm twisting by the Obamas. Trying to "leverage" an employer would not have played well in the media.

Michelle Obama from all accounts has done a stellar job at the hospital where she works. If a promotion was in order than of course a raise would be involved, don't you think?

But back to the MEAT AND GRAVY of this story...Wh­y hasn't Hillary released HER earmarks? Does anyone think that she could possibly procured money for her Corporate Sponsors in the form of earmarks?

Of the things I see listed like $1.3 Million for the Bradley I wish he'd have gotten $130 Million. This is research that will save AMERICAN LIVES!!! Of the other things they all seem like very worthwhile projects.

All that this is, is called...B­ringing Home The Bacon. I live in C.W. "Bill" Young's district and I can assure you we get lots of Federal Money.

[AnninCA]

There didn't need to be arm-twisting. He brought in the bacon from YOUR tax money. And Michelle is still getting full pay, I read, while not working a lick.

That's your Man of Change.

[gplaw]

I am from Chicago and I must say that the Univ of Chicago Hosp is located in the middle of the south side. An area that serves some of the rich and a whole lot of the poor. So the fact that he was able to secure some additional funds for that hospital and it programs is money well spent. The General Dynamics earmark was to make HUMVEE'S more fuel efficient where is the problem in that? The Field Museum is an institution. It has free days and allows students to come for free these are things that communities need. People do your research. If we could take the federal taxes out of the equation and allow the states to keep these taxes, then ear marks would not be necessary.

[michaelfawlkes]

I'm from Chicago and I for one am glad that Senator Obama did his job. That's what he was sent to Washington to do - fight for money for our state. If you look at any money that comes into Illinois and goes to a business, it's going to go to someone who donated something to someone.

[loislane88]

Here! Here! Well said.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

I do have to agree with you here, and I'm a Clinton supporter. I thought that this is what they were elected for. The situation with his wife is somewhat suspect, but again, I'm sure it's not the first time or the last that a spouse or other relative will benefit from a politician's position.

[hank48188]

This is just corporate welfare for private companies. Do you think General Dynamics will lower the price of the HUMVEE'S it sells to the Gov't? I guess if you're a friend of the Senator you get free money, he is more of a crook than most, he voted for the 2005 Dick Cheney Energy Bill when the employees of Exelon gave him $269,900, but Hillary and most DEMS voted against that welfare bill too.

[gplaw]

Did you actually look at the earmarks? The earmarks are worth while this is not corporate welfare. I call a spade a spade. The majority of the earmarks were put to good use. I was born at that hospital, my sister had a tumor removed from her brain at that hospital, they have clinics that treat people on a sliding scale. It is not free money it our money. It was well spent. Pick another earmark to complain about, but first examine them all.

[kishaaann]

This is the south side of Chicago. Trust me the hospital needed help. Go there one day and you will believe me.

[billrott]

I have actually gone to the hospital this past week. You are absolutely correct. The hospital services the south side of Chicago. While it is part of the University, it is more a part of the overall community. I really think people need to stop looking at earmarks as a bad thing. Earmarks are meant to be used to provide assistance to worth government projects. Projects such as the bridge to nowhere in which sixteen people won't have to take a ferry anymore and will have a $200+ Million bridge to utilize is a waste. A project to revamp a small portion of an inner city hospital to assist the sick and needy is not.

[mslindab]

It would probably be a better world without earmarks but until that day could you imageine electing a representative who wasn't fighting for federal funds for improvements in your state? Isn't that their job . .representing the interests of the state that elected them?