WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint has made combating earmarks his signature issue, drawing national attention for his efforts to end lawmakers’ often anonymous funding for pet projects.

Now, the Greenville Republican is taking the radical step of pledging not to seek any earmarks — even those that would benefit South Carolina — in the fiscal 2008 appropriations bills.

“I’m not requesting earmarks,” DeMint said in an interview. “We try to help our state pursue applications for merit-based (federal) grants, which is the way I think money should be distributed.” read The State’s article