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Mr. Obama's office said at the time that the $3 million request for the Adler was made because its projector was failing, "leaving the theater dark and groups of school students and other interested museum-goers without this very valuable and exciting learning experience."
Two years earlier, Mr. Obama sought $300,000 for the Adler in another unsuccessful earmark request.
But with Mr. Clark also serving as a big Obama fundraiser, the Adler request also is the sort spending proposal that invites scrutiny from Republicans scouring Mr. Obama's earmarks for political fodder in the presidential campaign.
"His earmark requests benefiting projects tied to friends and contributors is further proof that Obama's 'change' slogan is just words and nothing more," Republican National Committee spokesman Danny Diaz said of the Adler request.
Officials for the Obama campaign and the Adler scoffed at the suggestion of political favoritism.
"The nonprofit Adler Planetarium is one of the leading astronomical institutions in the Midwest, offering programs for students, scientists and the public," Mr. LaBolt said.
Adler spokeswoman Molly O'Connell said the planetarium had made requests to Mr. Durbin and Mr. Obama and six area congressmen from both political parties.
"We are grateful that all of the members we have approached, including Senator Obama, have deemed our activities worthy of their support, and have made appropriations requests on our behalf as they have for many worthy Illinois nonprofit organizations," she said. "Although Senator Obama has submitted requests on the museum's behalf, none of them have been funded."
Though neither of Mr. Obama's spending requests won approval in Congress, the Adler still has managed to secure more than $1.2 million in other earmarks in recent years.
Since 2005, the museum has paid more than a quarter-million dollars to National Group to lobby Congress.
Obama campaign officials said Mr. Biden's son, Hunter, never lobbied Mr. Obama.
"Hunter Biden and Bill Oldaker were not involved in the Adler account, nor did they receive any funds that the firm earned on the account," Mr. LaBolt said.
Hunter Biden left the National Group in 2006. Telephone calls to Mr. Biden and Mr. Oldaker at their law firm were not returned Wednesday, nor was a phone message left at the National Group, which shares the same office as Oldaker, Biden and Belair. A message left for Mr. Clark this week through Exelon also was not returned.
Ms. O'Connell said the National Group was hired in consultation with Mr. Clark and other members of the museum's board of trustees. In addition, she said, museum trustees serve without compensation and represent "the entire political spectrum."
She also said trustees have contributed or raised money for both Republicans and Democrats.
As scrutiny on Mrs. Palin intensifies, Republicans are revisiting the issue of Mr. Obama's earmarks. Even before Mrs. Palin was named as Mr. McCain's running mate, the conservative blog Next Right had begun raising questions about the Adler earmark. And this week, the RNC began sending reporters "Daily Obama Earmark Update" e-mail messages.
"One way to avoid these kinds of questions being asked is simply not to request earmarks," said Tom Schatz, president of the nonprofit Citizens Against Government Waste.
Mr. LaBolt said Mr. Obama has disclosed all of his earmark requests "in a voluntary act of disclosure." In addition, he said, Mr. Obama has since "stopped requesting earmarks and co-sponsored legislation that places a moratorium on earmark requests until proper oversight can be achieved."
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Comments 1 - 18 of 18
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By: icstars
I don't think it's necessarily bad to request funds for non-profit museums, schools, and the like. I agree with Obama that there should be oversight on these so-called 'earmarks.' (An important fact left out of this article?)
Palin is a flip-flopper. She did not kill the bridge--congress did that. But SHE KEPT THE MONEY already given to Alaska and spent it on her other projects!!! This is the ULTIMATE misuse of funds, and even people who identify themselves as 'arch conservatives' in her own party and state are "scared" of the idea of her a step away from the White House. And rightly so if you look through this noise and at her (tiny) record, full of flip-flopping, fiscal UNconservatism and personal vendettas while on the job for the public. She has accomplished a lot in her little time in government--a lot that we don't want in Washington.
September 15, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: Rubicon01
The other day, Jay Leno made a joke. Based on Biden now saying Hillary may have been a better choice, and based on the gaffe's & other issues about Obama being discovered & finally revealed by the media that has for so long covered for him, its possible Democrats should have chosen Hillary in the first place.
Leno said, and its possible this could be true.... "If I were Joe Biden, I'd get that VP thing in writing!"
September 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: RDH
Seems like if Clark can raise money for Obama he should be able to reaise money for the museum.
And everytime Obama gets caught not practicing what he preaches, we get the "Look Elvis" treatment.
September 11, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: JimFlaherty
"Hey, I got $14 million for Rezko ! This is only $3 million. What's the problem? Hey! I'm the change you can believe in, remember ?"
NEWSFLASH. WASHINGTON DC. 9-11-08
OBAMA ANNOUNCES FREE UNDERWEAR ACT:
In order to follow through on his commitment to be the "change we can believe in", Senator Barack Obama announced the introduction of the Free Underwear Act. If passed, every American will receive vouchers for one dozen cotton briefs each Christmas for free. "Now Americans can change" announced Obama. "Additionally, we will be looking into the possibility of a Free Sock Act once we get the tax hike passed" said the Senator.
September 11, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: Pendamon
Just as she assumed office as Governor she apparently supported the Bridge To Nowhere along with Ted Stevens, the Republican Party, AND HUSSEIN OBAMA AND BIDEN. That's right, JDG, your guys voted FOR IT! Then, after she got into office and reviewed it in depth, she BROKE RANKS WITH THE TWO SENATORS FROM ALASKA FROM HER OWN PARTY, AND OBAMA AND BIDEN AND VOTED AGAINST IT!! THERE'S MORAL COURAGE AND REFORM FOR YOU.
September 11, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: JDG
Just so I know, did she - or didn't she - support the infamous "bridge to nowhere" as part of her gubanatorial election campaign?? before Congress opposed it - and after she was elected??
JDG
September 11, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: Pendamon
OBAMA: "I AM NOT A CROOK!"
September 11, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: Pendamon
I find it interesting that Obama seems to know a good thing when he sees it--AFTER it becomes politically necessary. For example,he was for earmarks before he was against them, he was against the surge before he was for it, he was against offshore drilling before he was for it, he was against government-backed faith-based initiatives before he was for them, etc. etc. etc. McCain was out front on these-- he was a LEADER on these and other issues. Anybody in the press ever highlight this? You talk about flip-flop! B.O. is a FOLLOWER, not a leader, and he will do or say ANYTHING to get elected, Watch Out For This Man!!!
September 11, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: Atlanta Soccer Mom
Funny, I haven't seen that Obama is passing out refunds to the residents of Illinois while requesting earmarks at the same time.
Shore10 - did you read the end of the article?
One way to avoid these kinds of questions being asked is simply not to request earmarks," said Tom Schatz, president of the nonprofit Citizens Against Government Waste.
Mr. LaBolt said Mr. Obama has disclosed all of his earmark requests "in a voluntary act of disclosure." In addition, he said, Mr. Obama has since "stopped requesting earmarks and co-sponsored legislation that places a moratorium on earmark requests until proper oversight can be achieved."
September 11, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: Shore10
Now that is change I can believe in? for more of Nombama's other indulgences visit www.theobamafile.com
Really is anybody suprised this man's only hope and change are gramatical. He controls people who live by slogans on a t-shirt or bumper sticker. Keep shining the light and see what keeps trying to scury back into the dark...ha ha
September 11, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: SDindependent
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=2.
September 11, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: dittoman
And some want more government taxes...look what they do with what they get now! All of them.
Their should be a moratorium on any new taxes, fees, etc. until big government cleans itself up. Waste fraud and abuse must be the load stone of new government revenue, not my or your wallet whether we are rich, poor or in between.
September 11, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. | Mark as Offensive
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By: nicholas
I don't trust the Democratic Party a
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