Pure Horserace: Inside Obama's Pork Barrel

Barack Obama has billed himself as the candidate least corrupted by Washington politics — but that doesn't mean he avoids the game entirely. Like just about every member of Congress, Obama, a senator representing Illinois, has pursued funding for specific projects — or earmarks — in federal spending bills. But unlike many of his colleagues, Obama has also made every one of his requests public on his Web site.

Those who rail against so-called pork barrel spending like to point out some of the more absurd earmarks that sneak into federal appropriations every year — things like peanut museums, insect studies and other oddities. Obama's list, released today, doesn't offer anything too exciting, however. Perhaps the most unconventional request is also the first item on the list: $3 million for the Adler Planetarium to replace projector equipment.

The rest? Road and water projects dominate the list, along with requested assistance for colleges and universities and non-profit groups that provide social services. All safe choices — which one would expect from someone seeking national office. Obama's most expensive request was $40 million for Metra, metropolitan Chicago's commuter rail system.

The requests total more than $320 million — a relative pittance compared to how much the government spends each year. What's most notable about Obama's release is the timing. In the past week, his relationship with indicted real estate developer Tony Rezco has come under increased media scrutiny, both nationally and in Chicago. Disclosing his earmark requests could allow Obama to argue that he's still above the fray of Washington and keep his reputation intact. — David Miller

Fred's Footsteps: Fred Thompson isn't in the race, but he continues to make a big splash in the polls. The latest come via a poll in Florida, taken by the GOP firm Strategic Vision. Thompson hits the charts at 24 percent, not far behind Rudy Giuliani at 30% and far ahead of John McCain at 11 percent. In something of a setback, Mitt Romney, who has worked hard in the state, received just 8 percent. At this rate, maybe Thompson should sit on the sidelines a little longer. — Vaughn Ververs

Spoiling For Another Fight? With all the talk and speculation about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the impact his possible independent candidacy might have on the general election, let's not forget about the other third-party candidate. Ralph Nader, the Green Party candidate in 2000 and 2004, tells our Politico partners that he's thinking about saddling up again in 2008.

Nader says there's little difference between the Democrats and Republicans, adding, "I really think there needs to be more competition from outside the two parties." Political observers appear split on which party would suffer most with a Bloomberg candidacy, but there's a consensus among Democrats that Nader's presence has siphoned off crucial votes from their party in the last two tight contests. Nader's response? "Democrats have become, over the years, very good at electing very bad Republicans." — Vaughn Ververs

Forget Times Square: Nothing says "holiday season" quite like a Christmas Day spent in Cedar Rapids or New Year's Eve in Council Bluffs with a little shopping spree in Des Moines thrown in for good measure. That's the possible scenario facing hundreds, if not thousands, of campaign workers, journalists and various campaign hangers-on, according to Des Moines Register political sage David Yepsen.

The Iowa caucuses are scheduled to take place on Jan. 24, but Yepsen reports that date could be moved to Jan. 2 — or even as early as Dec. 17. The reason is the push by Florida to move its contest up to Jan. 29, which could set off a chain reaction involving South Carolina, New Hampshire and Iowa all seeking earlier dates in order to retain their importance.

Sound implausible to think that even hard-core caucus-goers would fancy interrupting their holidays for non-stop campaign activities? Maybe. But anyone planning on being there when the first votes of the campaign are cast should think twice before making those New Year's Eve plans. — Vaughn Ververs

Left Out: While Republican long shot Ron Paul might be planning to be in Iowa around the holidays, he's not being welcomed to the state next week. Six Republican candidates are slated to address a forum sponsored by Iowans for Tax Relief, but Paul was not invited. Officials told the Register that Paul was not invited due to a lack of organization and low poll numbers in the state. No doubt Paul's small but vocal band of supporters will have a plenty to say about that. — Vaughn Ververs

Editor's Note: Pure Horserace is a daily update of political news as interpreted by the political observers at CBSNews.com. Click here to sign up for the e-mail version.

By David Miller and Vaughn Ververs