The high cost of flying in the Clintons to help you lose your campaign

[KoKo]

(Article says they fly with staffers....and, I wonder who pays the staffers? Is it the Clinton Foundation or the Candidates or the DNC?)

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Bill and Hillary Clinton were the most sought after surrogates in the Democratic Party this year. He campaigned for more than 47 candidates. She for more than 26. Supporters estimate that, together, the Clintons headlined 75 rallies and fundraisers — and logged roughly 50,000 miles jetting from state to state.

When the Clintons travel, they fly private. This year, their airfare cost candidates at least $699,000, available state and federal campaign finance reports show.

Payments from campaigns and party committees to Executive Fliteways, the independent charter company the Clintons use, could be found for just under half of the trips the former first family took on behalf of Democrats this year.

The costs of two Clintons trips — one to Iowa, the other to Kentucky — were reported earlier this fall by Bloomberg and Politico, respectively.

But the $699,000 figure is the first comprehensive estimate that establishes the scope of the costs associated with using the Clintons as surrogates. By the time the rest of the filings come in, the number will likely exceed $1 million.

The Clintons couldn’t have paid for their own flights. Legally, candidates are required to pay for surrogate travel or report the costs as an in-kind contribution.

For the Clintons, flying commercial isn’t as viable an option.

Both fly with multiple members of their Secret Service security detail. (One person familiar with the former secretary of state’s travel arrangements said she is usually accompanied by about four people from the detail.) Staffers also typically accompany the Clintons on their trips. At rallies on the road this year, Hillary Clinton often appeared with at least three aides from her personal staff.


http://www.buzzfeed.com/rubycramer/democratic-candidates-spent-at-least-700k-to-fly-in-clintons

[PeoViejo]

1. I wonder how much of that is Vig?

Inquiring minds want to know.

If Hillary is too good to fly with the people she wants to govern, then she should find another occupation.

[dilby]

2. Because former First Ladies and Presidential candidates should fly commercial right?

That is ridiculous, if people want her or Bill to campaign for them then they should be ready to cover the costs.

[leftofcool]

3. WTF?

She has security, so does Bill. No former First Lady or President would take the chance on a commercial airline. By your logic, Obama should be flying on Southwest.

[PeoViejo]

4. Hillary is not yet the sitting President.

..although she might think so.

If Hillary went down on a Commercial Flight, it likely wouldn't mean one iota to World History.

[bobclark86]

7. So, former first lady assassinated on plane...

Wouldn't have any affect? So, by your logic, if Eleanor Roosevelt had been assassinated, it wouldn't have mattered. How about siblings of presidents? RFK dying had not affect on world history, huh?

[PeoViejo]

10. Former First lady is an ordinary citizen just like you and me

I don't wish harm on anyone.

[bobclark86]

12. More like a high-profile target for terrorists, kidnappers, etc.

Wife of former president, former senator, former Secretary of State, possible candidate for president... oh, I can see how that's not an enticing target for someone.

If you can't see that, I just feel bad for you.

[PeoViejo]

13. I doubt it.

I think your sense of her self-worth is a bit exaggerated.

[leftofcool]

9. Why am I not surprised at this response?

[tularetom]

5. How much would it cost for two one-way tickets to Bumfuck Egypt?

I'll pitch in.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. The Clintons are doing their bit in getting the money out of politics.

Why, it's downright inspirational that these two, who were recently "dead broke", should make such sacrifices.

[HereSince1628]

8. That's her political stress disorder, just like the landing under fire

story. It's not fair to criticize her for things she can't control.

[KoKo]

11. It does make one wonder...and that no one answered my question...........

Last edited Tue Nov 11, 2014, 09:31 PM - Edit history (1)

WHO PAYS for their Advisers.....The US Taxpayers Pay for the SS Guard for former President and First Lady...but no one tells me .......Who Pays for the REST OF THEIR TEAM who goes on these Campaign Ops.

Aside from SS who Guard All of our Former Presidents......someone has to PAY for their Companions on those Private Jets. They have to Eat and Pay Rent, too.......and they need High Rent to be near both Bill & Hillary. Who Pays for that?