Pelosi Breaks Her Promise On Pork

National Review Online: Failed Earmark Reform Shows Speaker Conducts Business As Usual

(National Review Online)  This column was written by Stephen Spruiell.

---

Did Nancy Pelosi do anything wrong when she sponsored a $25 million earmark for a waterfront-redevelopment project near several properties in which her husband has a financial stake? It depends on whether she had any reason to believe that the project would cause the values of her husband's properties to rise.

According to new House ethics rules that Speaker Pelosi herself championed back in January, members sponsoring earmarks have to sign a form stating that neither they nor their spouse has any financial interest in the provision. A spokesman for the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee tells National Review Online that Pelosi signed such a statement for the earmark in question.

Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill did not return a call seeking comment for this article, but he told an AP reporter that it is "speculative at best" that Pelosi would see a financial gain as a result of this earmark. The problem with such logic is that most future financial gains, especially in real estate, are speculative in nature. Advocates for tougher rules governing earmarks argue that such potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed.

Comparisons between Pelosi's earmark and a similar controversy surrounding Dennis Hastert’s real-estate deals have popped up in the press in recent days. The stories are similar, but with a few illuminating differences. For one, it remains an open question as to whether Hastert properly disclosed his land holdings, which increased in value when he secured $207 million for a new highway nearby.

Pelosi fully disclosed her husband's investments. The only question is whether she acted properly when she certified that she had no financial interest in the waterfront redevelopment project, given the possibility, however "speculative," that it could cause the value of her husband's property to rise.

Also, Hastert's highway project was controversial, and he was by far its most powerful proponent. Pelosi's defenders are pointing out that the Port of San Francisco and the mayor's office approached her with the proposal, which she then included as an earmark in the water-resources-development bill that passed the House last month. In other words, it's not some plan she concocted to help her husband's properties go up in value.

That's true, but it's not the whole story. Earlier this week, a Congressional Quarterly report expanded the timeline:

The Speaker got a $20 million earmark for the same waterfront redevelopment project placed in a bill in July 2005, but the measure died. The following December, her husband increased his interest in one of the properties in question for an amount between $1 million and $5 million, according to financial disclosure forms.

So even though the waterfront-redevelopment project was popular and did not originate in the Speaker's office, the question remains whether Pelosi's husband, investor Paul Pelosi, increased his stake in these properties with an eye towards his wife's likelihood of becoming the next Speaker. Being Speaker of the House has several advantages, one of which is that the earmarks you sponsor tend to get passed. Just ask Dennis Hastert.

For now, it appears that the problem is less with Pelosi's disclosure on this particular earmark and more with the state of earmark reform in general. The Democrats swept into power making a lot of noise about cleaning up the "culture of corruption" in Washington. Earmark reform was a big part of their stated agenda. First, they put a "moratorium on earmarks" until new rules governing them could be put into place. Then the House passed new earmark-disclosure requirements. "It’s good that we're even having this discussion about Pelosi's earmark," Steve Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, tells NRO, "because now [thanks to new disclosure requirements] we know that she's the one who asked for it."

But that’s where Democrats left it. The House rules apply only to the House. The Senate lumped earmark reform into its ethics and lobbying bill, which is now languishing in conference and has yet to take effect. Nevertheless, the Democrats must think these half-measures constitute thorough earmark reform, because the moratorium is long gone. The Water Resources Development Bill contains, along with Pelosi's earmark, more than 800 others. Perhaps the most egregious is a provision to add sand to a California beach famous for its annual sandcastle competition.

The Democrats campaigned as a party that would clean up Washington. But the water-development bill, exemplified by Pelosi's earmark, is nothing if not Beltway business as usual.

[terrapin78]

This is the kettle calling the pot black. Sour grapes!!!! LOL

Ear marks were never as big or numerous as they were under the Republicon's. So stop whining, Repubs.

Just when did the Republicon's become the party of whiners?

[fairandbal]

As long as NRO is making it policy to write headlines pointing out what it thinks are broken campaign promises, I suspect they forgot to write the following necessary article:

"Bush breaks promise to uphold and protect the constitution."

[wogerwabbit]

And you're so suprised by this that it deserves comment? She's a politician numbnuts... that's what politicians do. We didn't hear you bleating when the Rupublicans did the same thing, did we?

[wogerwabbit]

And you're so suprised by this that it deserves comment? She's a politician numbnuts... that's what politicians do. We didn't hear you bleating when the Rupublicans did the same thing, did we?

[wogerwabbit]

And you're so suprised by this that it deserves comment? She's a politician numbnuts... that's what politicians do. We didn't hear you bleating when the Rupublicans did the same thing, did we?

[emmylou617]

Only one of his properites? Not the several he owns? In 2005? And he did this with, as you say, an eye towards his wife becoming Speaker and therefore feeling assured that someone else would ask her to include this particuluar earmark benefiting just this particular property? You're kidding, right? Did you look at Pelosi's entire financial disclosure form? Pelosi's husband invests for a living. He increases investments as well as decreases them. Arguably, anything that might benefit SFO might beneift his investments, but that's no cause to be silly and continue to report this as if it is deliberate. Where's the proof?

[guysdigdirt]

Ear marks were never as big or numerous as they were under the Republicon's. So stop whining, Repubs.

Just when did the Republicon's become the party of whiners?
Posted by Terrapin78
-----------------------------------



Oh, it's all good when the Dems break promises and spend money on conflicts of interest. Now that someone is doing what you have done for the last 6 years it is whining?

It matters not who does it. a broken promise is a broken promise, a lie is a lie and conflict of interest is conflict of interest!!!

If it were a republican that did this you would have your undies in a wad and screaming over it and you know it. Does the fact that she is a Dem causing you to lose sight of the fact she is a liar, cheat and spending your and my money to make her husband more money?

[guysdigdirt]

Ear marks were never as big or numerous as they were under the Republicon's. So stop whining, Repubs.

Just when did the Republicon's become the party of whiners?
Posted by Terrapin78
-----------------------------------



Oh, it's all good when the Dems break promises and spend money on conflicts of interest. Now that someone is doing what you have done for the last 6 years it is whining?

It matters not who does it. A broken promise is a broken promise, a lie is a lie and conflict of interest is conflict of interest!!!

If it were a republican that did this you would have your undies in a wad and screaming over it and you know it. Does the fact that she is a Dem causing you to lose sight of the fact she is a liar, a cheat and spending your and my money to make her husband more money?

[guysdigdirt]

As long as NRO is making it policy to write headlines pointing out what it thinks are broken campaign promises, I suspect they forgot to write the following necessary article:

"Bush breaks promise to uphold and protect the constitution."

Posted by fairandbal
--------------------------

So Einstein, tell us in your own words, not the sorry media BS, how he did that.

[shingles1]

How convenient. Now that the Democrats are in charge, The National Review has just discovered the importance of ethical behavior and standards for members of Congress. Back when Denny-boy Hastert was in charge, they ignored his sleazy profiteering from the highway bill, along with the absurd level of sleazy earmarking and pork in general.

The National Review.

I guess their motto could be "At least we're more intellectually honest than the Weekly Standard."
Which isn't really saying much.

[glc518]

PELOSIS`S THE VILLIAGE IDIOT SHE COULDNT OF DREAMED THIS UP.

[infidel_us]

Where's the proof?
Posted by emmylou617 at 01:46 PM : May 09, 2007

Who needs proof? When a republican is concerned, just the accusation is enough to spawn days worth of press and a congressional investigation. When is she going to have to step down as speaker?

[guysdigdirt]

And you're so suprised by this that it deserves comment? She's a politician numbnuts... that's what politicians do. We didn't hear you bleating when the Rupublicans did the same thing, did we?
Posted by WogerWabbit
-------------------------------

The GOP cannot look at a candy bar without the Dems crying foul, if a Republican did this they would be crucified!!

All the name calling and party prejudice is just leading us to our doom. If someone messes up, no matter what party, call it as it is and take the pound of flesh.

[wogerwabbit]

guysdigdirt, I heartily agree. Let's start cleaning house from the top down... make them all atone for their sins against America... we'll start with Bush.

[hypnotoad72]

Both sides will continue doing the same thing and then accuse each other of doing the same thing.

Third parties are just laughed at; though the Green party is deliberate in its ineptitude (and hypocrisy; Nader, Nader, Masturb... you get the idea.) And the Libertarians are just obtuse, selfish little vermin who smoke marijuana for a living and berate every social program invented... until they themselves have need for it. Oh, then it's okay... until they're done needing it...

Besides, with a lot of buildings that say "for rent" everywhere, it makes more sense to improve or rebuild on those lots than to tear down more nature areas.

[bill1fj]

Just another crooked professional politicians.
Theres plenty of them in both parties.
Vote em all out next time they're up for reelection.
Lets get some new, and honorable, people in office.
If you're able and willing to run against the professional politicians in your area please do it.
We need a change.

[joenc-2009]

Perhaps the NRO could publish the total amounts from ALL of the Iraq war spending bills, and indicate which party was in power for each, and how much of the total was pork product.

I bet we never see that analysis from these clowns.

[macusweil]

We all know it is an established Washington practice to trade pork for votes on key issues. Over all pork is way down in this 110th Congress.

[terrapin78]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!

Mark it down it you are too freaking stupid to remember it!

[p-syrus]

Tempest in a Teacup.

Pelosi introduced the proposal at the request of local government authorities. That's what people want the congressional representatives to do.

Americans like it when politicians "bring home the bacon".

The REAL underlying ETHICAL question is the one dealing with the appropriateness of "earmarks". "Earmarks" are, unfortunately, here to stay.

Frankly, SF is rife with real estate speculation, as is much of California. Hence the utterly outrageous real estate prices in the state. And, given the relatively small physical size of the SF peninsula, developement in the port would effect property values in a wide swath of the city. No doubt what the mayor's office & the port authority had in mind from the start.

[guysdigdirt]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!

Mark it down it you are too freaking stupid to remember it!
Posted by Terrapin78
----------------------


So Einstein, tell us why Bus is the village idiot and you are not. Do not regurgitate some media drivel, tell me in your own words.

[guysdigdirt]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!

Mark it down it you are too freaking stupid to remember it!
Posted by Terrapin78
----------------------


So Einstein, tell us why Bus is the village idiot and you are not. Do not regurgitate some media drivel, tell me in your own words.

guysdigdirt, I heartily agree. Let's start cleaning house from the top down... make them all atone for their sins against America... we'll start with Bush.
Posted by WogerWabbit
----------------------

You too.

I know a lot of people hate him, tell me why you do. I am not saying you are right or wrong, just tell me why you feel that way, and give us something to back it up.

[guysdigdirt]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!

Mark it down it you are too freaking stupid to remember it!
Posted by Terrapin78
----------------------


So Einstein, tell us why Bus is the village idiot and you are not. Do not regurgitate some media drivel, tell me in your own words.

guysdigdirt, I heartily agree. Let's start cleaning house from the top down... make them all atone for their sins against America... we'll start with Bush.
Posted by WogerWabbit
----------------------

You too.

I know a lot of people hate him, tell me why you do. I am not saying you are right or wrong, just tell me why you feel that way, and give us something to back it up.

[guysdigdirt]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!

Mark it down it you are too freaking stupid to remember it!
Posted by Terrapin78
----------------------


So Einstein, tell us why Bus is the village idiot and you are not. Do not regurgitate some media drivel, tell me in your own words.

guysdigdirt, I heartily agree. Let's start cleaning house from the top down... make them all atone for their sins against America... we'll start with Bush.
Posted by WogerWabbit
----------------------

You too.

I know a lot of people hate him, tell me why you do. I am not saying you are right or wrong, just tell me why you feel that way, and give us something to back it up.

[guysdigdirt]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!

Mark it down it you are too freaking stupid to remember it!
Posted by Terrapin78
----------------------


So Einstein, tell us why Bus is the village idiot and you are not. Do not regurgitate some media drivel, tell me in your own words.

guysdigdirt, I heartily agree. Let's start cleaning house from the top down... make them all atone for their sins against America... we'll start with Bush.
Posted by WogerWabbit
----------------------

You too.

I know a lot of people hate him, tell me why you do. I am not saying you are right or wrong, just tell me why you feel that way, and give us something to back it up.

[guysdigdirt]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!

Mark it down it you are too freaking stupid to remember it!
Posted by Terrapin78
----------------------


So Einstein, tell us why Bus is the village idiot and you are not. Do not regurgitate some media drivel, tell me in your own words.

guysdigdirt, I heartily agree. Let's start cleaning house from the top down... make them all atone for their sins against America... we'll start with Bush.
Posted by WogerWabbit
----------------------

You too.

I know a lot of people hate him, tell me why you do. I am not saying you are right or wrong, just tell me why you feel that way, and give us something to back it up.

[guysdigdirt]

I appologize to everyone for the multiple postings, I do not know why it is doing this but it is only at the CBS site so I am inclined to think it is something to do with the CBS site.

[guysdigdirt]

I appologize to everyone for the multiple postings, I do not know why it is doing this but it is only at the CBS site so I am inclined to think it is something to do with the CBS site.

[dogpatch6]

I have read the comments for a long time, some of the people posting need to read the stories as they are written. Maybe they can't read, get a life, I have never seen such idiotic comments. CBS should discontinue this forum. Please remember that we live in the same world, and be sensible and kind. Love life and be kind and considerate.

[sparks224]

I%u2019m just glad the neo-con Republicans aren%u2019t a bunch of corrupt Treasury looters, or anything like that.

[sparks224]

Yes, I%u2019m being sarcastic

[fairandbal]

If NRO is really honest about their 'policy' of headlining campaign promise breakers (and not really just doing yet another hit piece on a Democratic leader) they're overdue on the following article:
"Bush breaks campaign promise to uphold and defend the constitution".

[wogerwabbit]

guysdigdirt, here's why:

Lying to get us into a war

Torture

Not equipping our troops correctly

Sending our troops on multiple extended tours in Iraq

Not taking care of our troops when they get back home

Bush is a dork

I'm a veteran and an ex-republican who can't stomach how ugly our country has become under this administration.

Tht's only a partial list.

[brooksperlin]

Apparently liberals don't read "the other side". National Review has been forefront in criticizing the Bush administration for not acting in a conservative manner. Except for Supreme Court judges Bush has been the most liberal Republican president since Gerald Ford.

[creeper00]

"waterfront-redevelopment project near several properties in which her husband has a financial stake?"

Way to go, CBS. Define "near". Two blocks? Two miles?

This story is sad. You wanted to dish some dirt but you couldn't give us the facts to decide whether it was really dirt at all.

Thank you for another example of why the mainstream media is held in such low regard these days.

[creeper00]

"waterfront-redevelopment project near several properties in which her husband has a financial stake?"

This is horrible coverage of what may or may not even be a story. Define "near". Two blocks? Two miles?

Way to go, CBS. You wanted to dish some dirt but you didn't even provide readers with the facts that would prove it was dirt. This is just the latest example of why the mainstream media is losing the regard of Americans.

As for "speculative" nothing was more so than this story.

[blazercoach1]

Creeper,

You are right on to demand more specific facts. You are also right that this may not even be a story yet is given incredible prominence. With the Dems in control now, they will suffer the same sort of ridiculous media tear-em-down attitude that the GOP dealt with.

Remember the Cheney hunting accident? This was front page news...meanwhile, in other news, Iran was promising to build a nuclear weapons program.

It is unfortunate that we have developed a culture more interested in tearing down those who lead us than in actually doing good things to support ourselves.

[blazercoach1]

Creeper,

You are right on to demand more specific facts. You are also right that this may not even be a story yet is given incredible prominence. With the Dems in control now, they will suffer the same sort of ridiculous media tear-em-down attitude that the GOP dealt with.

Remember the Cheney hunting accident? This was front page news...meanwhile, in other news, Iran was promising to build a nuclear weapons program.

It is unfortunate that we have developed a culture more interested in tearing down those who lead us than in actually doing good things to support ourselves.

[tejasdemo]

Nancy is the hotest thing in Congress. Smart, caring, (about more than just the filthy rich ) and good looking.

Sorry Repubs but you aint got a chance.

Go Nancy, Go !!!!!!!!!!!

[tejasdemo]

Nancy is the hotest thing in Congress. Smart, caring, (about more than just the filthy rich ) and good looking.

Sorry Repubs but you aint got a chance.

Go Nancy, Go !!!!!!!!!!!

[mike71067]

"Nancy is the hotest thing in Congress. Smart, caring, (about more than just the filthy rich ) and good looking."

-Posted by tejasdemo at 10:45 AM : May 10, 2007

It looks like the short bus just arrived. The "hottest thing in Congress"?? What?! Just because a corrupt politician has a v-a-g-i-n-a and a (D) after her name does not make her any better that the corrupt Republicans that were booted last November. This current lot of Democrats are no better than the Republicans, and in some cases, are actually worse.

[mike71067]

"Except for Supreme Court judges Bush has been the most liberal Republican president since Gerald Ford."
-Posted by BrooksPerlin at 02:06 AM : May 10, 2007

You're dead-on. The two Supreme Court justices are the best things that Bush has done in 6 years. Many of Bush's actions seem to indicate a closet liberal. Remember when he approved all that money for the National Endowment of the Arts? Who was he trying to impress, the homosexuals? They weren't going to vote for him anyway. I honestly don't know what Bush was thinking most of the time.

[taddles-2009]

"Many of Bush's actions seem to indicate a closet liberal.
Posted by mike71067 at 11:00 AM : May 10, 2007"


Look, what the short bus dropped off...

[klingon69]

Just when did the Republicon's become the party of whiners?
Posted by Terrapin78 at 12:52 PM : May 09, 2007

Never, that's still the sole-domain of the liberals

[klingon69]

Besides, with a lot of buildings that say "for rent" everywhere, it makes more sense to improve or rebuild on those lots than to tear down more nature areas.

Posted by hypnotoad72 at 05:13 PM : May 09, 2007

Not always;
Sometimes it is more cost-effective to build a completely new construct that trying to improve on an existing one. But, I can definately agree on the tearing down of more nature areas.

[klingon69]

If anyone is going to be called the Village Idiot, it is not Nancy Pelosi.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, GEORGE W BUSH!
Posted by Terrapin78 at 06:06 PM : May 09, 2007

Nah, he is the foolish prince