We’ve heard a lot today about how much the Democrats have cut earmarks over previous year levels. First off, we want to congratulate them that we are at least arguing over how much they were reduced, for many years, it was over how much they increased. Reductions is a definite step in the right direction.

But there are a lot of different numbers floating around. 25%, 30%, 40%, and some much smaller than that. It makes you think of the old saw, figures lie and liars figure. Let’s cut through a lot of this.

First off, there are two numbers to be concerned about. Number of earmarks and value of earmarks. Both are important, but from a purely budgetary standpoint the amount is more important. What does it matter if you cut the number of earmarks in half but spend the same amount. But I would note that even if you halve the dollar amount but keep all the earmarks, you are still perpetuating the money chase, the pay-to-play system and distracting the nation’s lawmakers from their more important duties.
Second, the baseline is important. What are you measuring from (what year?) and what are the earmark totals and dollar amounts involved.