In his quest to clamp down on federal spending earmarks, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., is training his sights on America's ivory towers. Coburn recently asked 112 of the nation's universities, including Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans, to spell out precisely how much money they have received from the federal government since 2000 and how it has been spent.

In a letter to university presidents, he also asks whether they have considered hiring lobbyists to secure a share of the federal budget. Both LSU and UNO have more than considered it; they have had Washington lobbyists for years.

"He is concerned about this being abused by Congress and K Street (the lobbying industry) more than the university community," Coburn spokesman John Hart said. "His belief is that most of the (university) projects funded by earmarks would be supported if they went through a peer review process. As well-intentioned as they may be, politicians aren't well-equipped to decide which research should get funded and which shouldn't. We are letting Congress determine the future course of research for our nation."