Rick Santorum: "I've Had A Lot Of Earmarks. I'm Very Proud Of The Earmarks I Put In Bills."

Rick Santorum campaigns heavily the on idea of fiscal conservatism, but his record as a Senator from Pennsylvania included his share of pork-barrel spending. Rick Perry has referred to Santorum as a "serial earmarker." Senator John McCain says Santorum engaged in pork barrel spending "as much as he possibly could." In a newly discovered 2009 appearance on Hannity, when confronted on the issue, Santorum not only defended his use of "a lot of earmarks," but says he is "very proud" of them.

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"I'm not saying necessarily earmarks are bad. I have had a lot of earmarks, in fact I'm very proud of all the earmarks I put in bills. Cause I think-I'll defend earmarks-I think Members of Congress should be able to say where money is spent. Just as long as they're open and available for the public to see."