No-earmarks pledge may mean less federal money for Ga.

The Savannah Republican said criticism of the congressional practice of seeking local projects and grants has prodded him to trim back his own requests. He's asking for about half of the $100 million he won last year for his district and the state. At the same time, Georgia's loss will mean other states' gain, Kingston said. Lawmakers use earmarks to direct funds to projects and programs outside of the usual competitive bid process. Congressional leaders have set aside $18 billion for earmarks, about the same as this year, for fiscal 2009, which begins in October. Under a joint agreement, the Democratic majority takes 60 percent and Republicans 40 percent. The Georgia delegation, which has long presented a unified front in seeking such federal assistance, is now in disarray over the effort. The five members who have sworn off... [read full story]