Topeka ? The earmark controversy has taken another turn.

The Club for Growth, which on Wednesday criticized U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Topeka, for violating her pledge against earmarks, on Thursday issued an apology.

The Washington D.C.-based group said — as Jenkins’ office had maintained — that the freshmen legislator never swore against seeking earmarks, but instead vowed to restrict her earmark requests.

On Wednesday, The Club for Growth issued a news release saying it was removing Jenkins from its “Sworn Off Earmarks” list. On Thursday, the group said Jenkins should never have been on the list to start with.

“We apologize for the error,” said The Club for Growth.

During her successful 2008 campaign for Congress, Jenkins, whose 2nd U.S. House District includes west Lawrence, criticized her opponents for voting for earmarks, which are appropriations for specifically requested projects tucked away in large spending bills.

But since being elected, Jenkins has requested earmarks.

Jenkins’ spokeswoman Mary Geiger said that Jenkins would prefer a ban on earmarks, but since they are a reality, Jenkins said she would request projects in her district that serve a legitimate purpose.

She said Jenkins has submitted 23 projects totaling $70 million to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. The projects would help military installations, communities and public universities, she said.