EDUCATIONAL NOTE - AT 7:12 A.M. ET:  From the Washington Times:

Capitol Hill's top Democrats are making a full-throated effort to rebrand earmarks as good government, not a dirty word synonymous with pork-barrel hijinks.

With President Obama's vow to clamp down on earmarks putting pressure on lawmakers to change their ways, congressional leaders have set out to educate voters about why they think Congress should direct dollars to districts or states for specific pet projects.

COMMENT:  In other words, no change we can believe in.  Business as usual.  Now let's see if President Obama has the clout, or the stomach, to take on his own party.  Of course, he'll have to get some sleep first.

March 9, 2009