John McCain--both longtime critics of federal spending on pet projects--have also introduced their own earmark reform bills.
In return, they provide monetary and political support for politicians' pet projects--from recycling to windmills--with the understanding that politicians will give them legislative back doors to recover the costs of these programs from customers or taxpayers.
CEOs expanded their empires, funded value-destroying pet projects and ignored shareholders.
Moreover, virtually all revenue growth has been applied to pet projects, loss-making industries, etc.
There is also a question over whether the 18bn euros earmarked for infrastructure investment might be diverted into easy vote-winning, pet projects ahead of the general election in September.
Mr Brown offered no time scale for moving from pilot projects to full-scale implementation of pet passports, but promised it would occur quickly.
One of his pet projects is a conveyor broiler due out next year--put a hamburger patty on its moving belt and it emerges two-and-a-half minutes later fully cooked.
When these same Republicans -- including Mr. Boehner -- were in charge, the number of earmarks and pet projects went up, not down.
Howard was known by his employees and acquaintances as a hands-off business owner, preferring instead to spend the family fortune on pet projects.
He has aimed his anti-deficit rhetoric, both before the election and since, principally at waste and earmarks, the pet projects legislators insert into spending bills.
Until recently the reserve, 280 miles north of Johannesburg, pumped out enough revenue from its admission fees, wildlife-viewing drives, curio sales and guest lodges to maintain not only itself but also Lente's pet projects.
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