Perry Used Taxpayer Money To Subsidize Family Vacations

During the last slash-and-burn legislative session, presidential contender and Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) approved draconian budget cuts for everything from education to Medicare. But one area where he didn’t mind being extravagant with taxpayer money was financing family vacations, tours to promote his book, and campaign events.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Perry used at least $294,000 of Texas taxpayers’ money for numerous personal trips, and has no plans to reimburse the state.

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/ ... vacations/

lol Don't go there! Obama and the DNC have used Air Force #1 like a campaign bus without re-paying.

Sure I will make a speech at this bankrupt green energy company, followed by a luncheon fundraiser, afternoon rally, and a high priced donor dinner before I head back to DC.

Not a fan of Perry, but he ain't the only one.
What SS said.

And Colorado is full of gumbent officials that take vacations on the peoples dime.

SS109 wrote: lol Don't go there! Obama and the DNC have used Air Force #1 like a campaign bus without re-paying.

Sure I will make a speech at this bankrupt green energy company, followed by a luncheon fundraiser, afternoon rally, and a high priced donor dinner before I head back to DC.

You're saying this like it's something new that was never done before by any other president.

Wayne-O wrote:

SS109 wrote: lol Don't go there! Obama and the DNC have used Air Force #1 like a campaign bus without re-paying.

Sure I will make a speech at this bankrupt green energy company, followed by a luncheon fundraiser, afternoon rally, and a high priced donor dinner before I head back to DC.

You're saying this like it's something new that was never done before by any other president.

Nope, it has been done by other presidents, but lately in the past 20 years Air Force One as a campaign aid has been overdone. Not only is it expensive, but it often messes up local air and ground traffic.

SS109 wrote: Nope, it has been done by other presidents, but lately in the past 20 years Air Force One as a campaign aid has been overdone. Not only is it expensive, but it often messes up local air and ground traffic.

You are probably right...but the president really doesn't have a choice.....the Secret Service decides what they need to adequately protect the president. I'm sure the Republicans would love to make an issue of it, anything to stop the president from campaigning......but the use of Air Force 1 goes with the presidency, pure and simple. And Obama usually tries to combine a campaign event with an official trip. I doubt he has to do that.

The incumbent always uses Air Force One. It makes great presidential photo ops during a campaign. To the victor goes the spoils.

And the incumbent in the highest executive state office is granted a similar benefit. They, too, have to be protected when they are out and about regardless of whether it is state or personal business.

OK, PS. You have a point. I'm glad we could discuss this like two rational men.

The UK Prime Minister actually flys commercial. :thumbsup: I like that.

I wonder it thier version of TSA is as intrusive since the PM has to go through it too. Our leaders don't.