Politicians love little more in their public duties than a capacity to dole out money in a visible way. It might be handing a state of Arkansas check to the local volunteer fire department's chief for new equipment. It might involve basking in the applause as a ribbon is cut to open a new public facility the politician had a role in funding.
The money belongs to the taxpayers, but if the taxpayers aren't around to take credit, well, someone's got to do it, right?
It's true for Democrats and Republicans alike.
Don't get us wrong. Being an elected official at any level involves considerable work, a lot of headaches and usually a lot more blame than credit. So we hardly fault them for soaking up a little appreciation at the opening of a new trail or fire station.