Nodler definition of earmark disputed

Chad Livengood's article in today's Springfield News-Leader examines Sen. Gary Nodler's statement that his efforts to land a $25 million benefit for Eagle-Picher was not an earmark. In fact, Livengood not only examines Nodler's statement, but rips it apart:

"If that's his understanding of earmarks, then he really should not be a member of Congress because he has a lot of learning to do about what an earmark is," said David Williams, vice president of policy for Citizens Against Government Waste, a Washington, D.C. watchdog that tracks pork-barrel spending in Congress.

Williams said defining an earmark "has nothing to do with where it's added" in the legislative process. Any request above and beyond what the executive branch requests is an earmark, he said.

Williams likened the $25 million for Eagle-Picher to corporate welfare. Nodler says the tax dollars could help the firm generate hundreds of new jobs for southwest Missouri.