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Source of graph and photo: online version of the Omaha World-Herald article quoted and cited below.

(p. 1A) WASHINGTON -- In the battle to secure federal earmarks for Nebraska, Sen. Ben Nelson is feeling lonely this year.

The Nebraska Democrat is seeking 51 earmarks worth $183.1 million. The four other members of the Nebraska con­gressional delegation, all Republicans, have submitted no requests this year, three of them agreeing to a House GOP moratorium.

That's a big change from 2009, when Rep. Lee Terry re­quested 11 earmarks totaling more than $85 million, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry sought 28 earmarks totaling more than $75 million and Rep. Adrian Smith sought two earmarks to­taling $1.2 million.

Sen. Mike Johanns has abstained from seeking earmarks since joining the Senate in 2009.

. . .

(p. 2A) Johanns has criticized ear­marking as a method of direct­ing taxpayer money based on lawmaker clout rather than a project's merits. He said last week that the process would be better if lawmakers had to jus­tify their individual earmarks at hearings.

For the full story, see:

JOSEPH MORTON . "Nelson stands alone on earmark requests; He is seeking $183 million for Nebraska projects while the state's GOP lawmakers sit out this round." Omaha World-Herald (Tues., May 18, 2010): 1A & 2A.

(Note: ellipsis added.)