Republicans have unveiled their 21-page "Pledge to America" but there is one pledge that the next potential House Speaker won't make. When asked several times Sunday, John Boehner refused to say that he would put an end to all earmarks if
September 26, 2010

Republicans have unveiled their 21-page "Pledge to America" but there is one pledge that the next potential House Speaker won't make. When asked several times Sunday, John Boehner refused to say that he would put an end to all earmarks if Republicans take over the House.

"Why is there no mention of ending earmarks in this document?" Wallace asked Boehner on Fox News Sunday.

"Today, we have a moratorium on earmarks," Boehner answered. "And I can tell you that if Republicans win the majority in November, it will not be business as usual here in Congress."

"It's a one-year moratorium that ends in March," noted Wallace. "A number of your top leaders, including Congressman Jerry Lewis who likely be the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, wants earmarks back. Are you willing to pledge right now if you take over the House, the Republicans do, earmarks will be gone forever?" he asked.

Boehner deflected the question. "It will not be business as usual in Washington, DC."

"That's not answering my question, sir," pressed Wallace.

"It's not going to be business as usual," Boehner repeated.

Appearing later in the same program, Bill Kristol said the "Pledge to America" was "a step on the way to boldness."

While Boehner wouldn't promise to end earmarks, Kristol was quick to promise they wouldn't be used. "If Republicans take the House there will be such sentiment of the Tea Party nature that they will not in my view do earmarks."

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