Murtha’s Rainmaking Skills Found Lacking December 31 2009
Looks like Congressman Murtha’s earmarks don’t live up to their promised job-producing ability.
In 2005, Rep. John P. Murtha announced here that a technology firm was moving into an abandoned plate glass factory. Best of all, he promised, the new firm would generate 140 jobs.
The Pennsylvania Democrat steered $150 million in defense money to Caracal Inc., along with a $3 million grant for factory renovations. “Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony is yet another indication that our investment in this region’s economic revitalization is paying off,” he said that day. But Caracal never created the jobs the congressman touted. The firm peaked at 10 employees and then folded in early 2008. Once its Murtha-engineered Navy contracts ended, the company could not survive.
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The Post analysis illustrates the fleeting success of some of the companies backed by earmarks. Some of the jobs generated by Murtha’s earmarks cost about $2 million each, and scores disappeared as soon as projects were completed.
WaPo gives several similar examples. It’s really an eye-opening piece, and everybody should read the whole thing.
Who’da thunk it? Oh wait, I did. And I said how it should be used politically.
I quote myself from November, bold added:
Murtha’s number may finally be up, provided that our candidate (whether Burns or Russell) goes beyond the ethical stuff that’s been dogging Murtha for over two decades with no ill effects.
Murtha’s supposed to be the rainmaker, but it’s awfully dry in much of the district. Hit him with the jobs thing. Make his strength into his weakness. Eliminate his raison d’être.
Yeah, it’s an uphill climb. Here’s a breakdown of Russell’s performance in 2008. (2006 refers to Irey. %Effort refers to a county’s contribution to the vote total.) Keep in mind that the district narrowly voted for McCain in 2008.
Murtha owns Cambria county. Others, less so.
$2 Million a job sounds a little steep to me. I’m guessing 12th district residents outside of Cambria county might feel the same way, particularly if they themselves are looking for jobs.
(See also RedState, GrassrootsPA)
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