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Austria, other GOP congressmen, seek few earmarks locally

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Updated 5:21 PM Monday, November 23, 2009

By Jonathan Riskind and Jack Torry

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

WASHINGTON — It isn’t that David L. Hobson of Springfield is suddenly switching party allegiance or wavering in his support of a protege or a former congressional colleague.

But when it comes to earmarks, those oft-criticized but still much-sought-after federal dollars for local projects, Hobson, a former GOP congressman, is closer politically these days to the views of U.S. Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, D-Columbus, than he is to his 7th District replacement, U.S. Rep. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, or to U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Columbus.

Tiberi, elected in 2000, hasn’t gone after taxpayer dollars for central Ohio projects since 2007. Austria says he is not pursuing earmarks in his first year in office “due to the out-of-control spending that is taking place in Congress that is not focused enough on the economy and creating jobs.”

That leaves Kilroy as the main central Ohio lawmaker left to go after earmarks for projects such as Ohio State University research initiatives and local road improvements. (The southeastern Ohio district of Rep. Zack Space stretches into eastern Licking County, and the Dover Democrat seeks money for some area projects, too.)

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Ever wonder how we ended up with that white elephant of a new interchange at Derr Road and 334? An earmark from Hobson, to get people to the Derr Road Inn. They went ahead even after the Inn was closed and burned to the ground! Your govermnent in action.

straight shooter
9:39 AM, 11/24/2009

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What? Are you people insane? Ragging on Austria because he doesn't spend money the government doesn't have?? What right do you have to demand someone in Iowa pay (with debt, of course) for some local project? This country is full of pathetic beggars standing around with their hands out. You make me sick, you chronically malcontented, bedwetting socialists!

Butterbean
8:30 AM, 11/24/2009

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Considering that the federal government is bankrupt, Congressman Austria should be commended for showing some responsibility.

Stuart
6:00 AM, 11/24/2009

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Austria is a nice guy in a finely pressed suit with a great head of hair, but that really is it. He has a lack of passion, lack of substance and most importantly lack of knowledge on the issues that matter. Talking points is the depth of knowledge he has and nothing else.

Jesse R
9:30 PM, 11/23/2009

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Well, Since I didn't live here in 2008, I didn't elect Austria-but the rest of you who call the 7th home did- so live with it. This is what comes of blindly voting for a party brand rather than the candidates merits or qualifications. . red/blue nonsense. Give it a shot in 2010- one can't fall out of bed when you're already on the floor

Cheri Crothers
7:29 PM, 11/23/2009

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