Mitch McConnell, a consummate politician, has been my senator for 24 years (“GOP Porkers’ Greasy Deal,” Robert Novak, PostOpinion, Dec. 10).

He has feasted at the pork-barrel trough the entire time he has been in the Senate. It is not surprising that he wants to cut a deal that hurts his party but enables him to bring more bacon back to Kentucky in time for his reelection bid in 2008.

McConnell, with an overflowing campaign war chest, is already running syrupy-sweet television ads in the state touting his ability to bring pork-barrel money to Kentucky.

He epitomizes what is wrong with politics in America. His defeat in 2008 would be good for Kentucky, the country and the GOP.

Paul L. Whiteley Sr., Louisville, Ky.