Coburn: Earmark Opponents Beware of Consequences

Senate Republicans who vote against Sen. Jim DeMint’s proposal to ban earmarks do so at their own peril, says Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. He says those senators can expect a primary challenge in their next election from someone who’s willing to fight on that issue, The Hill reports.

"You bet. They sure should," he told The Weekly Standard, when asked whether Republicans who oppose the moratorium should expect a primary challenge.

DeMint’s proposal has divided conservatives, with some GOP leaders arguing against it. They maintain that banning earmarks would give the Obama administration too much authority over spending.

"Republicans can send a signal that they get it," Coburn says. "Or they can send a signal that they continue to not get it and say they're not going to change. And if they do that, they're going to pay for it at the ballot box."