Politics & Government

Aide: Lance Didn't Flip-Flop on Earmarks

Chief of staff refutes claim by Ed Potosnak, the Democratic challenger for Lance's seat.

An aide to U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon County) clarified the congressman's earlier statements about the disparity of federal funding to New Jersey compared to other states by saying the congressman was talking about broader federal funding and not just earmarks.

Todd Mitchell, Lance's chief of staff, said that Lance's comments in an interview with Patch about New Jersey ranking 50th in federal funds received were directed  towards the entire federal funding process, not merely  over local appropriations obtained by members of Congress. Lance's Democratic opponent, Ed Potosnak, has criticized the Republican saying that Lance flip-flopped on the earmark issue following his call in 2008 to not accept the funds.

Mitchell said that Lance, who has been touting his record of fiscal conservatism in the state and federal governments during his reelection campaign, is looking at other methods to increase New Jersey's share of the federal funding pie. Namely, Mitchell said this includes tax decreases.

"Congressman Lance fully understands that Washington doesn't have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem and no state sends more money to Washington while getting less in return than New Jersey," he said. "However, the way to increase New Jersey's rate of return is not through earmark spending but by reducing federal taxes on all Garden State families."

Lance's comments to Patch came during his walking tour of downtown Westfield last week whenDowntown Westfield Corporation Executive Director Sherry Cronin detailed issues to Lance regarding the lack of government funds for infrastructure projects, including streetscape work for the downtown business district. During the interview, Lance discussed the need to obtain grants for various projects and an uncertainty over grants in 2011 due to the federal fiscal situation and the possible Republican takeover over Congress. Lance also discussed his concerns over the disparity between funding for urban and suburban communities during the interview.

The funding Cronin is looking for is typically obtained through legislators during the federal appropriations process, known as earmarks. Earmarks have become a controversial issue in recent years including the debate over the famed Alaskan "bridge to nowhere."

Mitchell said that while earmarks could be obtained to fund the project that Cronin discussed with Lance, there are other federal funds available. These include competitive grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mitchell said most of the federal funds obtained for flood control in Manville were included in the federal budget by Congress, but were not considered earmarks. He said some of the money obtained was through earmarks requested by former U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-Berkeley Heights). Federal funds for a flood control project in Cranford were obtained in 2007 through an earmark sought by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-Hoboken).

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Lance was criticized during the spring Republican primary by then opponent David Larsen, who said Lance, had backtracked on his previous support for earmark reform. Larsen cited Lance's designation in April 2009 by the group Citizens Against Government Waste as a "porker of the month" for his obtaining of several earmarks in his first few months in Congress. The earmarks included federal funds for new lights in Cranford, a hike and bike path in Bedminster and a dental center in Hunterdon County. Lance was joined by two other freshmen Republicans in receiving the designation.

Mitchell cited federal budget figures, which show that earmarks make up less than one percent of discretionary spending in the $1.2 trillion federal budget. He said Lance remains committed to earmark reform and is working with other House Republicans and some Democrats on reshaping the practice. 

Mitchell also criticized Potosnak's comments on federal spending and desire to seek earmarks if elected. During an interview with Patch, Potosnak said he is interested in increasing federal funding for the district's pharmaceutical industry and for transportation projects, including the new third rail tunnel under the Hudson River.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Mr. Potosnak's calls for the continued use of a broken earmark process to increase New Jersey's rate of return is fiscally irresponsible and shows a complete lack of understanding of the federal budget process," Mitchell said.


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