earmarks?

[milord]

I confess. I do not know what "earmarks" means. I thought I did. I looked it up in the dictionary , which had two definitions:
1 : a mark of identification on the ear of an animal
2 : a distinguishing mark <all the earmarks of poverty>
Neither one is usable in the political sense. When the news says Sarah Palin received $239 billion (or whatever) in earmarks, I just don't understand the usage. Would some kindly DUer please explain this to me.
Thanks.

[tekisui]

1. Federal money for local projects.

[Voice for Peace]

2. Money requests that are tacked onto other legislation and are often thereby passed without scrutiny

I think that's it..

[sandyj999]

3. Like Michigan Senator Carl Levin is attempting to get.

To save part of the old Detroit Tiger stadium. My money is involved in this if he gets it and I wasn't even asked. The only ones that really care are a group of people that have been attempting to collect money to save a part of it. I say if they can't get enough interest from the fans, then tear it down! That is the kind of earmark I believe is wrong.