Will Gregory says "no" to earmarks

Will Gregory, a Republican running for the congressional seat currently held by Democrat Jim Himes, pledged to neither "request not accept" earmarks.

"As the congressman representing Connecticut's 4th District, I will work to cut out-of-control spending, rein in the size of government and reform Washington,'' Gregory said.

Citing an interview Himes gave to the editorial boards of The Advocate and Greenwich Times, Gregory accuses Himes of backing earmarks and big government programs promoted by Democratic leaders.

"Himes voted for the stimulus, the budget, and Cap and Trade -- massive bills that ramped up spending, drove our nation further into debt, and enhanced the tax burden on hardworking Americans across the country...He has publicly supported a government take over of the healthcare industry through the development of a government-run 'public option' which will displace private sector providers and eventually eradicate employer-based healthcare coverage -- which the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects will greatly enhance government spending.

"Far from the 'temperamentally centerist' individual he claimed to be during his campaign,'' Gregory said, "Himes has proven he tows the line of his handlers -- voting with Nancy Pelosi over 95 percent of the time."

Himes spokeswoman Elizabeth Kerr said Himes has successfully brought federal funding to Fairfield County "for important health care, economic development, and environmental projects that will create jobs and continue to prepare Connecticut for long term economic success.

"The Congressman is proud of his support for the Recovery Act, which cut taxes for five out of six constituents."

And Kerr added, "on ethics, Will needs to do his homework. The Congressman is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in government spending. It's disappointing that someone like Will who talks so much about "good governance" won't back up his words with support for bipartisan legislation that would help eliminate the ties between campaign contributions and government funding."

 See the original article here.