From Seattle Times: David Wu And Those Pesky "Earmarks"

Update: WU STATEMENT FOLLOWING STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman David Wu released the following statement after the president's final State of the Union address tonight:
"The president and I have differed on many foreign and domestic policy issues, but tonight I am gratified to work together with him to pass a timely economic stimulus package to prevent Wall Street from dragging our Main Street economy into recession.
"An economic shot in the arm: cash rebates for most Americans, tax incentives for small business and addressing part of the national mortgage crisis is common sense and the right thing to do.
"What the American people and Wall Street want to see is not just an economic package, but a government in Washington that works.
"I hope that the president's decision to work with Congress on this economic stimulus package indicates that we will also do those things we should always be doing to ensure America's long-term economic health.
"We always need to enhance education, from kindergarten to community colleges and universities; work with employers to improve job training programs; invest in research and development; foster partnerships between government and the private sector to bring new technologies and products to store shelves; and craft trade agreements that take care of American jobs first.
"These are the fundamental challenges we need to address. I hope to find a willing partner in the White House.”"



Doug Hoschek sells the Army's elite Special Forces a T-shirt that resists burning — a feature that can save the lives of soldiers under fire.

He wanted to sell his creation to the Marines, as well.

Working out of his Sammamish home, the seasoned garment maker toiled for months preparing to bid but, Hoschek was stunned to learn recently that another company, InSport International, snagged the T-shirt contracts without having to compete.

InSport had lobbied members of Congress for an "earmark" — federal dollars lawmakers direct to favor seekers, often campaign donors. Company executives also donated nearly $9,000 to the re-election effort of Rep. David Wu, D-Ore., who sponsored three earmarks for InSport.

"Earmarks", he said, "cheat businesses that play by the rules. They not only deprive the military of getting the best price, he said, but can saddle soldiers with inferior products that politicians handpick."

It's not supposed to work that way.

Federal law requires that all military contracts, even earmarks, be offered through competitive bidding. Exceptions are allowed in those few cases in which the military has an urgent need or the product is unique.But in case after case, The Seattle Times found, earmark contracts were awarded without competition.