Toomey pens USA Today op-ed

Pat Toomey spent much (but not all) of his first time on Capitol Hill criticizing earmarks, and he's continuing to do so in his fledgling Senate career. He penned an Op-Ed today with Missouri Democrat Claire McCaskill calling for bipartisan support for ending the pork distribution practice, in USA Today:

Tuesday, Republicans will vote on a conference rule banning earmarks for the coming year, but we believe that this new discussion presents an opportunity for both parties to demonstrate that they have heard the voters' message and are taking it to heart. President Obama has already signaled his support for a ban on earmarks, and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has thrown his support behind the measure as well. We hope the Republicans will pass the ban in their caucus Tuesday, and that the Democratic caucus follows suit. Ending the practice of earmarking should mark a first, common-sense critical step in changing the ways of Washington, cutting wasteful spending and proving Washington has gotten the message Americans have delivered.

This issue need not be a partisan one, and we are encouraged that Republicans and Democrats have joined together, both in the past and now, in opposing the earmark system. Cross-party alliances often make for the most effective partnerships, and we are confident we can make real progress if we focus on what is best for taxpayers, not what is best for the politicians in Washington.