By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-933760.mp3
Lexington, KY – Senator-elect Rand Paul ran on a Tea Party platform during his campaign, and said he would craft a balanced federal budget. Appearing on ABC's This Week with Christiane Amanpour, Paul said to achieve that, all aspects of government would be subject to cuts, including wages for federal employees, and military funding. Amanpour also questioned Paul on his views about earmarks.
AMANPOUR: And what about earmarks? Would you say no to earmarks?
PAUL: No -- no more earmarks.
AMANPOUR: No more? Not even in your state?
PAUL: No. No. But I do tell people within Kentucky is I say, look, I will argue within the committee process for things that are good for Kentucky that they want and also within the context of a balanced budget.
Later on Face the Nation on CBS, Bob Schieffer also brought up earmarks to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, but McConnell wouldn't go as far as to embrace a full ban.
BOB SCHIEFFER: If it was for all-- members of all parties, let's just stop earmarks, you would be for that or against it?
SENATOR MITCH MCCONNELL: I would be willing to consider it. The problem is it doesn't save any money. It's an argument about discretion. What we really need to do Bob, is to concentrate on reducing spending and reducing debt.
When asked about Paul's ideas for reducing spending and debt, McConnell said his fellow Kentuckian is an exciting new member of the senate, and that he would consider his proposals.