More on these earmarks

In 2004, there were over 15,500 earmarks in the budget passed by a Republican-led Congress; they amounted to almost $33 billion in spending. The budget heading to Obama's desk has 9000 adding up to around $8 billion.

Just some perspective.

For more information, check out this Office of Management and Budget website that publishes information on budget earmarks. It was authorized by legislation that Obama wrote as a Senator in 2007.