From the same article...
"Paul defended his support of earmarks, which also include numerous water and highway projects in his Gulf Coast district, saying that, although he does not like the current budget process, he wants money returned to his district as funding is doled out nationwide.
"I don't think they should take our money in the first place," he said. "But if they take it, I think we should ask for it back."
The way it works in Paul's office is that local groups and officials from his district make pitches to him for federal funding. The congressman passes along those recommendations to the Appropriations Committee as earmark requests. Paul said he tries to treat everyone equally and rejects few requests. He said it would be unfair "for me to close the door and say this is a bunch of junk."
But in the end, Paul said, he would likely vote against the spending bills even if they included earmarks he sought."...and the article goes on to quote the part owner of the theater that got earmarked. The owner complained that Paul voted against the spending bill that had the earmark.
Sorry Brian, no offense meant.