Democratic leaders, however, made sure that the most vulnerable freshmen also received tens of millions of dollars’ worth of projects.

Freshman Reps. Nick Lampson (D-Texas) and Nancy Boyda (D-Kan.), two of the Republicans’ top political targets this year, were among the biggest beneficiaries. Lampson collected $15.2 million in earmarks by himself. Including projects he shared with colleagues, Lampson grabbed $42 million.

Senate Democratic leaders also doled out political protection money. Sen. Mary Landrieu (La.), the chamber’s most vulnerable Democratic incumbent, shared $469.7 million worth of projects with colleagues, the chamber’s second highest total after that of Sen. Thad Cochran (Miss.), the highest-ranking Republican on Appropriations.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) received more money in earmarks than did any senator who does not hold a position on the Appropriations Committee. Clinton’s name was attached to $342.4 million worth of earmarks, far more than her rival for the Democratic nomination. Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) shared only $91.4 million worth of projects with his colleagues.

Though Clinton is only at the beginning of her second term, she surpassed more senior colleagues such as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). It appears Clinton bolstered her total by attaching her name to just about every project sponsored by a member of the New York delegation.

Since losing control of Congress, an increasing number of Republicans have begun advocating for the abolition of earmarks. Two members of the Republican leadership, Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio) and Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), did not seek any earmarks last year. Minority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.), however, alone collected $23.6 million worth of earmarks. He shared another $22 million worth with colleagues.

Opponents of earmarking argue that the power to precisely target funds can lead to corruption as more and more lobbyists receive contracts to influence federal spending. These opponents also claim that such targeted funds are a haphazard way of spending money and reflect political power rather than the merit of the cause.

These arguments are beginning to gain more traction with Democrats. Democratic Sens. Russ Feingold (Wis.) and Claire McCaskill (Mo.) eschewed earmarked funds last year.

Taxpayers for Common Sense estimated that Democrats cut total spending on earmarks by 23 percent compared to 2005.