Fighting for federal money

President George W. Bush has placed himself squarely between the Southland and millions of dollars for transportation and social services, blocking two appropriations bills in an attempt to rein in spending. Lisa Friedman in the Daily News.

Congress is gearing up for a battle, with House Republicans upholding presidential vetoes and Democrats accusing their GOP counterparts of ignoring the poor while suddenly rediscovering fiscal conservatism.

But caught in the middle are dozens of Southern California legislators' pet projects - known as earmarks - for everything from roads and hospitals to job-training programs, museums and after-school groups.