Hmmm: Dems debate whether to join GOP’s earmark ban

“There was a long discussion,” said retiring Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), adding that the caucus agreed not to speak publicly about any details since no agreement had been reached…

But Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), the longest-serving senator and a prolific earmarker, downplayed the discussion.

“We had some people discussing it I don’t want to go beyond that,” he said.

How long was that discussion? “A few minutes,” Inouye replied.