Watchdog group praises Bean

U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean garnered the backing of the Better Government Association Thursday in her push to make congressional voting records easily accessible and earmark reform.

"I really can't see a downside to this in any way, shape or form," said Jay Stewart, executive director of the watchdog BGA.

Bean wants to make all voting records public online, listed according to each lawmaker. The measure would also force lawmakers to link to the data from their congressional Web site.

The Barrington Democrat also wants to create a commission to study the abuse of earmarks, a process lawmakers use to attach project funding to legislation that has been the target of national controversy.

Bean said she isn't sure what shot her legislation will have at passage because her lobbying has just begun.