Good 'ol Jack!

The New York Times Editorial page slams Jack Murtha:

The new earmark disclosure rules put into effect by Congress confirm the pre-eminence of Representative John Murtha at procuring eye-popping chunks of pork for contractors he helped put in business in Johnstown, Pa. The Pennsylvania Democrat, a power player on defense appropriations, exudes pride, not embarrassment, for delivering hundreds of millions of dollars in largesse to district beneficiaries. They, in turn, requite with hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations.

Read it all here. This is one of those rare occasions where the NY Times hits the nail squarely on the head. Their conclusion that "the Murtha operation — which has become a model for other entrepreneurial lawmakers — is a gross example of quid pro quo Washington," is impossible to disagree with when you look at the evidence.

The House of Representatives returns from their holiday recess this week, the Senate next week. Don't expect lawmakers to be clamoring for too much reform on this, as many of them are in neck deep in the pig pit.

UPDATE: President Bush may have the last laugh with the porkers in Congress.