Sestak steers earmarks but also decries system

But $1.2 million listed in the records as going to Peak Beam Systems Inc., of Edgmont, actually went to a Navy research facility to develop specifications for a new laser guidance system for weapons, said Annie McManus, marketing director for the company.

"The Navy is going to evaluate products from around the country and decide which is best," McManus said. "The congressman said he didn't feel it was ethical to just set money aside to purchase our products."

Dragonfly Pictures Inc., of Essington, has received three earmarks totaling $2.4 million to develop automated controls for helicopter drones.

"We're doing good work that should be funded," said Mike Piasecki, president of the company, whose employees have contributed $28,300 to Sestak's campaigns.

House leaders have banned earmarks to for-profit companies in the appropriations bills being considered for the next fiscal year. The Senate is still willing to approve them.

The process of awarding earmarks has become more transparent since the 2006 midterm election, when voters rebelled against the influence-peddling scandals surrounding lobbyist Jack Abramoff, then-Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R., Calif.), and the infamous "bridge to nowhere" in Alaska.

"I have no doubt if we keep the same system there will be more scandals," Ellis said. "It's fundamentally corrupt."