DeMint Optimistic He’ll Get the Earmark Ban

Great news, if it works out – from NRO’s The Corner:

…Without naming names, DeMint cautioned that those who continued to support the earmarking process would be help accountable by the American people at the polls. “This is just the beginning,” DeMint said. “2012 is going to make what just happened look small if we continue.”

Phil Kerpen, AFP’s vice president for policy, was more explicit. “They have to ban earmarks,” he said of Senate Republicans. “Any Republican who does not vote to ban earmarks will have a primary challenge.” Kerpen urged the fired-up crowd to “keep the heat on” senators who may be wavering; cries of “They’re next!” were shouted back in response…

…DeMint said he was “optimistic” Senate Republicans have gotten the message and told reporters on a conference call earlier today that “we probably have the edge by a vote or two.”

I’m not sure if that means DeMint figures he’s got enough to pass it through the Senate, or just enough to ensure the GOP caucus goes on record against earmarks. Either way works out fine, for us. Better, of course if we could get a ban on earmarks (or even a two year moratorium on them), but as long as the GOP shows the American people that we’re serious about cutting the waste, we’re on solid ground.

The American people spoke very loud and clear on November 2nd – Government must be reformed to reflect the will of the American people. This is not a time for politics as usual – we need to clear out the rot, and banning earmarks is vital for this. Not just for the amount of money (which is relatively small compared to total government spending), but as a signal that the message has been received, and a new game has come to town.

A bankrupt nation needs a government which clearly understands what the people want. We are probably in for some very hard times over the next few years, even if things go well for us. In order for people to have an retain faith in government – indeed, in our way of life – they must see that the people in government understand. Spending cuts, rooting out corruption, tax reform – all of these, and more, are what the American people want, and we’d better give it to them…or face a tidal wave of anger in 2012 and beyond.

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