A year ago, freshman Congressman Walt Minnick, D-Idaho, announced he would not seek earmarks for his district. The stance, Minnick said reflected his commitment to fiscal restraint. Monday, Minnick reiterated he wants no part of the practice. About the same time, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, made good on his plan not to seek the Senate Appropriations Committee slot vacated by the retiring Larry Craig. Crapo had built up seniority on the Finance Committee and didn't want to relinquish it. He continues to seek earmarks, but his committee assignments diminish his access to them. How's that working out? Not so well. Through their choices, Minnick and Crapo haven't helped matters/Marty Trillhaase, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Are Minnick & Crapo acting naively by not aggressively seeking earmarks to benefit various projects in Idaho?