A Roll Call article out today reports John McCain will be at odds with “rank-and-file Republicans” next week when the Republican conference votes on whether to adopt a one-year moratorium on earmarks. However much McCain me be out of favor with Republicans on the issue, he has the support of conservatives 100%. The sponsor of the amendment, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), told Roll Call, “Obviously, this is his baby and I consider him a champion of this.”

When McCain votes for the Senate earmark ban he will continue a growing movement against wasteful Congressional spending. In the House, the Republican Study Committee is compiling a list of members who have sworn off earmarks that includes Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA). Waxman announced on his website earlier this year: “We have a problem in Congress. Congressional spending through earmarks is out of control.”

Ridding Congress of earmarks is one of the best way to curb special interests in Washington. The Hill reports today that a new process requiring more forms to be filled out for each request may hurt incumbent fundraising. A lobbyist tells the Hill: “I think you would see a drop in their contributions. It is definitely more difficult to fundraise when you limit the universe you can assist.” If some more forms to fill out has them worried, imagine what an all out ban could accomplish.