October 1, 2009

If you want to know why Republicans in the midst of their out of power discontent are not getting much political traction, here is a major reason.

Republican Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, the ranking member on the Defense Appropriations Committee, has added several earmarks for companies and institutions that have made contributions to his political campaigns. Cochran collected more than $10,000 from the University of Southern Mississippi and rewarded the school with military grant earmarks totaling $10.8 million. Cochran added $12 million in earmark spending for Raytheon Corporation, whose officials have contributed $10,000 to his campaign since 2007. He earmarked $6 million in military spending for Circadence Corporation, whose officers -- including a former Cochran campaign aide -- contributed $10,000 in the same period.

It's all so cozy, this inside Washington game of spending our money so that politicians can maintain their power and privileged positions. If Republicans can't -- or won't -- break the cycle, what's the point of having them hold power?

Cal Thomas is a syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.