Begich, Murkowski oppose earmark ban

JUNEAU - Both of Alaska's senators plan to oppose a proposed ban on earmarks that could come before the full Senate in the next couple days.

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn is among those pushing for a vote on a binding earmark moratorium as a way to help get federal spending in order. Coburn, a Republican, considers earmarks wasteful.

But Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich have defended earmarks, saying a ban would do virtually nothing to dent spending levels and would hurt their still-young and developing state.

Representatives for both confirmed Monday that the senators would oppose a ban.