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Washington state focus
Legislators comment
People tend to talk about earmarks as something that is a bad thing. I see it as a way to make sure that the tax dollars that are spent are spent in a very wise way.
— Sen. Patty Murray
People, if they want to support me, they support me. If they don't want to support me,
I still might do their earmark — if I thought it was a worthy project. 
— Rep. Norm Dicks
Readers respond
"The Favor Factory" in the news
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Congressional earmarks: Who gives and who gets
Seattle Times investigation | Members of Congress give billions of dollars to contractors through earmarks that are tacked on to spending bills. The Seattle Times investigated the little-known process and examined the relationships between those who benefit from earmarks and those who make campaign donations to lawmakers.
- Video | Doug Hoschek demonstrates fire-resistant T-shirts
- Video | Congressman pushes Mobilisa's product
NEW - (12/17/2007)
Lawmakers play favorites; local Washington merchant loses out
NEW - (12/29/2007)
Congressional ties bankroll Washington company
NEW - (02/08/2008)
A database of lawmakers, earmarks, and campaign giving.
