Haven't read the whole thread, but hasn't anybody noticed that it was not McConnell that inserted the language re:funding amounts and this project, it was Feinstein [D Calif ] and Alexander [R Tenn]...
"For one thing, McConnell apparently did not request that funding for the dam be included in the legislation. Rather, the request came from Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Dianne Feinstein of California. They are, respectively, the ranking member and the chairman of the relevant Senate Committee.
Moreover, Alexander defended the funding. He argued that “according to the Army Corps of Engineers, 160 million taxpayer dollars will be wasted because of canceled contracts if this language is not included.”
A Kentucky kickback? | Power Line
While I wish McConnell would be a bit, well okay maybe a lot, more assertive for our causes, he is a very sly old guy, and while he most assuredly could have orchestrated this deal, it was readily admitted by Diane F that she was one of the culprits, not Mitch there. Now he did not turn it down, it should also be noted. Maybe that has already been said somewhere in the thread, sorry if I am stepping on anybody's post. Just didn't seem like that tidbit had come to light judging by the statements being made currently.
In any event, all this effort to make Mitch look like you Dem's in the Corn Husker Kickback and newest Louisiana Purchase deals seems for naught, eh?