In his latest attack against earmarks, Jim DeMint tried to change Senate rules Thursday by asking for a voice vote on a new Senate transparency requirement.

In a move that surprised Democrats, DeMint, R-S.C., asked for unanimous consent to change rules so that all sponsors of earmarks would be revealed, including the controversial additions to the Iraq war spending bill (HR 1591).

DeMint has complained that other lawmakers have added funds for spinach growers, Christmas trees and peanuts to a bill intended to support U.S. troops.

DeMint made his move just after the Senate passed the supplemental spending bill, and he intended for the rule to apply to the bill when it comes out of conference.

However, Robert Menendez, D-N.J., objected to DeMint’s move, arguing it was not appropriate to change Senate rules in the middle of Congress’ work on the spending bill, and the matter was quickly dropped.

In pushing the rule change, DeMint said the Senate is already on record as supporting it, since it is part of a lobbying overhaul package (S 1) that passed, 96-2, in January.

However, unlike a Senate rule change, that legislation must wait to go through the House and later a conference committee.

The House has not yet drafted its version of the lobbying bill, although the issue has received one subcommittee hearing.

“The American people are watching; and if they see us neglect these much-needed reforms, I’m afraid it will only confirm their long-held suspicion that we’re not serious about cleaning up the way we spend their money,” DeMint said.

Democrats dismissed DeMint’s move.

“This was nothing but a PR stunt by Sen. DeMint,” said Jim Manley, spokesman for Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. “He never discussed this idea with anyone on our side before offering it on the floor. This is not just a matter of courtesy, it is a basic prerequisite for any serious effort on the Senate floor.”

First posted March 29, 2007 6:20 p.m.