Sauerberg gets ally in blasting Durbin for earmarks

A chief opponent of so-called pork barrel spending, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn, came to candidate Steve Sauerberg's aid Friday and blasted Sen. Dick Durbin on earmarks.

"If we have many more Dick Durbins, my grandkids will have no more future in this country," Coburn said of Durbin, tying his colleagues' earmarking to the nation's deficit.

Sauerberg has long hammered Durbin on earmarks, the often-criticized process by which lawmakers can land federal funds for local projects by attaching them to various pieces of legislation.

But if elected, the Willowbrook physician has not pledged he won't seek earmarks himself. He promised Friday to only seek them if they have a direct federal interest. He also supports legislation to make the earmarking process more transparent.

Durbin spokeswoman Christina Angarola said the Springfield Democrat is proud of his earmarks, which include projects ranging from the expansion of O'Hare International Airport to flood protection along the Des Plaines River.

"Those federal dollars coming back to Illinois help keep important projects moving forward and property taxes down across the state," she said.

Sauerberg said bringing home money is fine, but he took issue with the secrecy of the process and the ability of lawmakers to take credit for taxpayer-funded projects.

"I have no problem with making the world a better place," he said. "I just don't want it done sneaking behind the back door and promoting Dick Durbin or anyone else as the reason for any spending."

Coburn acknowledged Friday Sauerberg faces an uphill battle in his charge against Durbin, the second highest-ranking Senate Democrat. Yet, the fellow physician said he flew in Friday to hold a news conference and fundraiser because he was passionate on earmark reform.

"The reason I am here is that there is a lot of hope," Coburn said. "I hope for change."