Obama Earmarks Benefited Donors and Relatives, Group Says

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 By Fred Lucas, Staff Writer Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., walks out to speak to media about the economy at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (CNSNews.com) – As an Illinois state legislator, Sen. Barack Obama secured at least $300,000 to fund projects that benefited friends, relatives and contributors, according to a conservative government watchdog group. Those projects included a botanical garden that was never built, a church with a controversial pastor and an organization headed by Michelle Obama’s cousin. Judicial Watch, using the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, says it obtained information on earmarks doled out by Obama when he represented his Chicago district in the state Senate. Obama obtained a $100,000... [read full story]