Rep. Walt Minnick swears off earmarks

Rep. Walt Minnick, Idaho's best liaison to the Democratic majority, surprised his colleagues and some Idaho institutions with the news he wouldn't bring federal dollars to his district through the widespread but controversial use of earmarks.

"We are in scrambling mode," said Marty Peterson, lobbyist for the University of Idaho, which like many public colleges has relied on the practice to pay for some projects and programs.

Minnick said he knew some people would be upset.

"In this tough economic time, we all need to cut back," he said. "I strongly support many of the projects submitted to my office, so I understand why this decision will not be popular with some and that it may meet criticism."

Minnick said he would not push for earmarks - specific spending authority placed in congressional bills - for at least one year. He said he would try to bring money to Idaho by helping businesses and agencies win competitive grants offered in the stimulus package.

The Republicans who dominate Idaho's delegation were skeptical of his motives - even though all have criticized the practice.

Rep. Mike Simpson said going after federal grants is no different than going after earmarks - they come from the same pot of taxpayer money.

"The only difference between the two is who allocates money - your elected representative or some bureaucrat in the Obama Administration," Simpson said.

The day before Minnick's announcement, Simpson laid out his earmark requests and put them on his Web site, urging constituents to comment on his choices. He wrote an opinion article explaining his choice in Wednesday's Statesman.

Simpson said this process was more transparent than working behind the scenes to steer money to the state.

Freshman Sen. Jim Risch has not decided yet whether to seek earmarks this year, said Brad Hoaglun, his press secretary. But if he does, he will put them on his Web site.

"Sen. Risch remains opposed to this process and seeks their removal, but until (Congress changes the practice), he may seek funding for Idaho projects," Hoaglun said.

Minnick said in the 2008 campaign he opposed earmarks but would seek them for Idaho projects until they were eliminated. But now he says the unprecedented federal budget deficit and the tough economy changed his mind at least for this year.

Each of Idaho's universities work with the entire delegation to get as many of their projects funded as possible. Simpson has an advantage since he serves on the Appropriations Committee but Sens. Mike Crapo and Risch also can make requests in the Senate.

Peterson said U of I was applying for stimulus grants, but also is counting on earmarks to pay for many ongoing projects.

Idaho has used earmarks in the past for a 10-year effort to find a drought-resistant strain of wheat that can be used on the Palouse. The Navy research facility is in the third year of a project sponsored by Minnick's predecessor, Republican Rep. Bill Sali.

Without earmarks, small states and small universities would be overwhelmed by larger states and big research universities, said John Freemuth, Boise State University political science professor.

Crapo's press secretary Lindsay Nothern said Crapo does not request earmarks for new or increased federal spending, but rather seeks to direct congressional spending to existing budgeted accounts.

"While he works to reduce the size of government and spending, when those levels are established, he will fight to ensure that Idaho programs and projects get their deserved consideration in the appropriations process," Nothern said.

Minnick said he meant no criticism of the rest of the delegation for seeking earmarks.

"I applaud their character and service," he said. "However, I have decided to do what I believe is best for Idaho and our country."

Rocky Barker: 377-6484