Friday, November 7, 2008

A New Day For Washington; Less Pork for West Virginia

Less money will be pouring into West Virginia now that its senior senator, Robert Byrd, voluntarily gave up his chairmanship of the powerful Appropriations Committee today. That probably doesn't mean a lot for most Americans but for those of us close by, it means a lot.

Don't believe me? Travel through the state and see for yourself. In the 75 minute drive from our house to the Darks you will pass no fewer than 10 honorariums for West Virginia's favorite son. I suspect there are more than 100 throughout the state. They had so many for Byrd that they started naming them for his late wife -- even before she died several years ago.

And it isn't like there's a Robert C. Byrd Outhouse, although I suspect there is one or two municipal sewage treatment plants named for him. There are highways, bridges, clinics and schools named in his honor. And I suspect some money may still slide the state's way since it is likely Byrd will remain chair of the Homeland Defense subcommittee.

How else will the US Navy get the funding it needs for the large naval base in the landlocked state?

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