Governors, mayors go to Washington

Nation: Everyone wants to be the pig in the bailout trough. It would make too much sense to cut spending instead of demanding more pork.

A bevy of governors, mayors and interest groups came to Capitol Hill Wednesday, pressing for tens of billions of dollars for new public works projects and help for cash-strapped states, among other ideas aimed at boosting the economy. They found sympathetic ears at a pair of House hearings — even from some Republicans — for ambitious plans to build roads and water and sewer projects, extend jobless benefits and help states cope with multibillion dollar budget shortfalls. Democrats are eyeing a huge economic stimulus measure, either in a postelection session next month or as the first item of business next year. They are focusing more on the spending side of the federal ledger, as opposed to the tax rebate checks sent out earlier this year, with a key focus on generating new jobs.

America will tax and spend its way out of the recession. Good idea.