Sam Brownback links(GovExec.com) Backlash against earmarks gains steam: Republican leaders are moving toward requiring public disclosure of lawmakers’ sponsorship and justification for local projects in spending bills, aides said Tuesday as an election-year backlash against earmarks intensifies. … McCain told reporters that a “Gang of Seven” — including himself, Coburn, Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint of South Carolina, John Ensign of Nevada, John Sununu of New Hampshire and Sam Brownback of Kansas — would push “extended debate” over earmarks in future spending bills.Pat Roberts links(AP) Roberts says he’ll vote for Alito: Sen. Pat Roberts said Wednesday he would vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito to a seat on the nation’s highest court, calling Alito “a man of the highest integrity and character.” “Judge Alito’s extensive judicial experience coupled with the highest approval rating given by the American Bar Association demonstrates his ample qualifications to serve on the United States Supreme Court,” Roberts, R-Kan., said in a written statement.How to contact As always, you can find information to contact members of the Kansas congressional delegation here.