Shady Hal Strikes Again

Last year the Washington Post chronicled Congressman Hal Rogers' shady homeland security contracts. Now, a new report from Auditor Crit Luallen criticizes Rogers for yet another fishy contacting deal through the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association. According to the Associated Press:

A company employing the son of U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers received some of the $2.9 million in funding the congressman steered to a nonprofit tourism group in his district that employs one of his staff members, according to a state audit.

The 2004 contract awarded through the state Transportation Cabinet didn't appear to violate any Kentucky laws, but state Auditor Crit Luallen said the transaction was unique among the 57 sample contracts her office reviewed for the 100-page report.

"This one pointed out some unique problems we didn't see elsewhere," Luallen said.

In a written statement, Rogers, a Somerset Republican, said he is proud to have secured funds for projects for the 5th District in southeastern Kentucky, including $2.9 million for a tourism information service. Rogers said prior outside audits show the contract has been managed "prudently and effectively."

Earlier this year Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake sponsored an amendment to eliminate a $1 million earmark designated for SEKTDA. Unfortunately the amendment failed. Here's the opinion Kentucky's esteemed congressman offered PBS when asked his opinion about Flake's amendment:

REP. HAROLD ROGERS (R), Kentucky: I would support today the earmarks over the years for the Central Arizona Water Project that enabled Arizona to grow and prosper and boom as it is now in providing jobs for people. But I would hope the gentleman would realize there are other parts of the country with much, much smaller needs, but equally as important to the people that live there.

Sorry Hal, this is not an apples to apples comparison. At least a large water project would have results that would benefit more than a few select people. In fact, I wonder where the millions upon millions of federal dollars that are funneled into the many non-profits located in Southeastern Kentucy end up. For example: SEKTDA, SEKRI, Center for Rural Development, UNITE, PRIDE, SKED, KHIC, etc. How have these organizations truly benefited the average Kentuckian? We can only hope that more light shines upon the dealings of Hal Rogers so taxpayers will know how their money is being spent.