Previous earmark reform efforts had focused on disclosure of earmarks that were funded by Congress. Certain stimulus measures and earmarks were also outside the budget process. He opposed tax increases and the allocation of federal earmarks. In the past, he has opposed "earmarks", or congressionally directed spending. He argues for balancing the federal budget, defunding earmarks and ending special-interest influence in Washington. " Lungren has been an opponent of "the huge growth of spending earmarks. He supports a moratorium on all earmarks until the budget has been balanced. The actual budget varies from year to year due to additional earmarks and special projects. He says he regrets many of his votes for such programs, and opposes earmarks. In 2008, Ryan pledged to stop seeking earmarks. Virginia also earmarks revenues from its state lottery for education. He believed that requests for earmarks should not be publicly disclosed. He also criticized Murray for her support for earmarks. It has all the earmarks of money spent wisely. She released an advertisement touting her support for earmarks.