News in BriefWe Should Care This Much About Earmarks? Really?Earmarks are not a big deal, say political scientists. Most are perfectly justifiable, and they definitely aren't to blame for the "eruption of spending" from Washington.By Lee Drutman
EconomicsIs This Any Way to Treat Friends?Our Lee Drutman recently reported on research that suggests earmarks are our friends (or at least not our enemies).By Michael Todd
EconomicsWe Get Letters — Port Barrel SpendingA reader wonders whether Port of Anchorage project has earmarks of a boondoggle.By Miller-McCune Readers
