Erin BreenChannel 2 News
Republican Senator Dean Heller was in town Tuesday morning touring the newest project at the airport, the new air traffic control tower. But he wasn't officially campaigning.
He did however have to take out time to defend the construction of that new air traffic control tower as an earmark, something he's come out blatantly against this past year.
"I was the first of my delegation to call for a ban on earmarks. I think spending is up to agencies. They all have money to spend and they can spend it where they want, but I believe earmarking is a process that is not good for the overall economy and I'm against it."
When questioned about the $27 million in federal funds that went into building the air traffic control tower for the Reno-Tahoe Airport he said it was a project that was going to be built anyway.
"It was not an earmark but a safety measure. It was important for Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Washoe County and this whole area," Senator Heller said.
Then he admitted it was an earmark.
"It's something we helped with. My office did help. It is an earmark. I'm not denying that it is an earmark," he said. "I'm saying it's an important project for the area and I'm more concerned with creating jobs than I am with anything else."
The Nevada Democratic Party was quick to point out that flip-flopping on his definition and stance on earmarking was a political ploy.
"It's hypocrisy," said Democratic Party Communications Director Zack Hudson. "It's another example of how he'll say anything and do anything just to get elected again."
Senator Heller said he's well aware it will be a tough campaign against U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley but he's ready for the next ten months.
