Washington state congressman earmarks $250k for his private club. Was that wrong? Should he not have done that?

Among more than 100 local projects for which U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott recently sought funding earmarks in the coming federal budget are a new cancer-research program, municipal road projects and a law-enforcement initiative to combat gang violence.

Also included on the Seattle Democrat’s 2010 appropriations wish list is a relatively modest — but curious — appeal:

A $250,000 request to fund a “window repair and limestone sill replacement” at The Rainier Club — one of Seattle’s premier private clubs, whose members include some of the city’s most well-heeled and politically connected residents.

McDermott’s request on behalf of The Rainier Club would match the $250,000 raised by club members to cover renovations at the club’s 105-year-old brick building on Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle.

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