MT-Sen, MT-AL: Rotten space earmarks

From the subscription-only Roll Call:

Over the last four years, Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) has earmarked more than $8 million for a project ostensibly designed to make Montana a center for space-related research and industry. But despite the millions of dollars in federal funding, it appears to have produced few tangible results while spawning several state and federal investigations. It has also earned lobbyists and companies connected to Burns hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracts and lobbying fees as well as more than $80,000 in campaign contributions for Burns and Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.).

The story of the program -- the Inland Northwest Space Alliance -- illustrates not only the opaque manner in which federal earmarks are doled out, but also the often-interconnected and complex roles lawmakers, their family members and former staff play in the procurement and use of these spending initiatives.

It is unclear how much of the $8 million in earmarks Burns sought to steer to INSA either directly or through the University of Montana has been allocated to the group. However, INSA's tax records, federal lobbying reports and an audit by Montana's legislative auditor of earmarks funneled to the group through the university show that between 2003 and 2005, more than $761,000 has been spent on salaries and benefits. Additionally, more than $320,000 has gone to former Burns Chief of Staff Leo Giacometto and a company associated with him.

They don't mind government spending as long as it's lining their pockets and those of their cronies. Good thing Tester will soon be around to help clean up this disaster in DC.