In the Senate, the Republicans have just elected pork barrel champion Trent Lott (R‑MS) to be their second-ranking leader. I guess the GOP wants to get a headstart on losing the 2008 election.

Over in the House, the battle over the majority leader’s position is being fought between John Murtha (D‑PA) and Steny Hoyer (D‑MD). According to the Washington Post, Murtha is a corruption-tainted supporter of the recent orgy of congressional earmarks, while Hoyer is a more moderate and sensible choice for leader.

But let’s not get too excited about Steny Hoyer. In a 2004 story, the Washington Post portrays him as an unapologetic champion of bringing home federal spending goodies to his Maryland district. Indeed, he is one of the 10 most prodigious porkers in the House. When asked whether Congress ought to end pork barrel spending, Hoyer said “I hope not…pork barrel is in the eye of the beholder.”