US defends stimulus despite inequity for neediest

The Obama administration is defending its transportation stimulus plan, saying it is solid even though the neediest communities are least likely to benefit. An Associated Press analysis of more than 5,500 transportation projects revealed that the jobs are being steered toward counties with lower unemployment. The government is spending about 50 percent more per person there than in areas that badly need jobs. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood says that people can drive to areas receiving money. He said workers in rural towns and factory communities can compete for jobs outside their counties. In the long run, everyone will benefit. People in towns passed over in the first wave of money say it's unfair that they're being told to commute to compete for jobs.