Imagine your federal tax dollars being spent on studying the breeding habits of the woodchuck, or, examining what makes people smile in bowling alleys?!

This may sound absolutely absurd, but, it's reality, as part of an endless list of so-called "pork projects" approved by our elected leaders.

 We take a look at how Alabama's pork stacks up, and see who's really bringing home the bacon!

When it comes to going to the trough of federal tax dollars, some of our Alabama politicians are pros at pigging out!

   "We've seen oyster rehabilitation, we've seen shrimp aqua-culture, all sorts of research going into Alabama, and it goes on and on and on!" said David Williams with Citizens Against Government Waste.

Williams says it's all pork, wasteful spending by Congress, as lawmakers fund pet projects in their district.

   "I would ask people down in Alabama if funding the catfish genome project is really making their lives better." Williams said.

$871,854 was approved for the catfish genome project.

Representative Artur Davis, who supported the legislation along with Rep. Mike Rogers and Senator Richard Shelby, quickly defends it.

  "It is research on catfish, but, catfish sound exotic to people in Washington who work for public interest groups, it happens to be a big deal to Alabama's economy." said Davis.

   According to Citizens Against Government Waste, in 2008, Davis had more pork barrel spending than any other Alabama representative.

"I'm proud of every dollar I've been able to bring into the district. We don't seek earmarks unless they serve the public interest." Davis said.

But, when it comes to pushing for pork, Alabama senator Richard Shelby really brings it home.

CAGW ranks him 3rd out of all senators in the U.S. for 2008, with more than $464,000,000 in pork projects nationwide!      

   In a statement from Senator Shelby's office, we're told: "He believes that the people of Alabama elected him to represent their interests in Washington and is willing to defend any funding or project he has secured for our state."

   However, repeated attempts to get an on-camera response from Shelby, or even a phone interview, were unsuccessful.

   Overall, Alabama ranked 17th nationally in CAGW’S 2008 list, with more than $280,000,000 received in pork funding.    

   "If you look at the hundreds of millions of dollars going into Alabama, they're paying for billions of dollars around the country. So, they have to pay for a lot more then what they're getting. That's what they should be surprised at!" Williams said.

   And, each legislator has their own opinion on pork projects.

  "I think too much money goes to Washington. I wish it would stay here with our cities and our counties and let them make a decision.” said Rep. Spencer Bachus.

  "I believe that we've done too much of it. The growth in them has been dramatic over the past decade.” said Senator Jeff Sessions.

  Meanwhile, Williams says Alabamians should ask themselves this question:

 "Am I voting for this person because they brought home the bacon, because if that's the case, they're being bribed with their own money, they're paying for these projects out of their taxes. said Williams.

According to Citizens Against Government Waste, more than $17,000,000,000 was spent on pork projects nationwide in 2008!

 The group encourages every citizen to call their local legislators, and hold them accountable for how they're spending our money.