Ron Paul Spends $1m on Charter Flights, Double Other GOP Candidates
If you donated to Ron Paul’s Republican campaign, there’s a good chance your money literally went up in the air.
ABC News reports how Paul has spent close to $1 million on charter flights as he fights his way through the the early stages of his campaign for the GOP presidential candidacy. That’s more than double the amount spent by Michele Bachmann, the next closest candidate. Imagine his airmiles.
ABC states that Bachmann has spent $439,000 on flights, while Mitt Romney – who’s apparently a fan of low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines – spent between $300,000 and $400,000.
Rick Perry’s figure is $272,000, but his late entry in the race for the GOP candidacy means his total is more compressed. Rick Santorum is the only candidate not to have used chartered planes, and his comparatively low campaign funds probably explain why.
The Hill points out how Paul and Bachmann’s totals are distorted by both being current sitting members of Congress – that means both will regularly have to travel to Washington from their primary states.
But in Paul’s case, his fondness for short flights has taken its toll – during July, the 76-year-old took flights between some cities that are a two-hour drive apart – Ames, Iowa and Cedar Rapids being examples of this.
The advantages of fast travel are clear to candidates – less time on the road means greater mobility between campaign stops and more time speaking to the unwashed masses. And, with $5m raised in the third quarter alone, I’m sensing Paul can afford his frequent flights.
Tags : flying, gop, GOP Primaries, republicans, ron paul
Posted: October 27, 2011
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Oct 27, 2011
Get your facts right, he raised 8 million in the third quarter. Lazy journalism!
Oct 27, 2011
They think people will be angry because Dr. Paul is actually spending our donations on campaign expenses? If you media elite would provide him equal coverage he could use some of that money for ads. But your black out forces him to physically carry him message from town to town.
He brought in over $8 million, not $5 million. I donated and will continue to donate until he doesn't need it.
Thanks for alerting me to his needs, I'll go donate another $500 right now.
Oct 27, 2011
You know what they say – a suckers born every minute.
Oct 27, 2011
I'm glad he's spending the money – that's what I gave it to him for! Since the media goes out of the way to NOT talk about him, his best strategy is to actually get out and speak in person. Anyone who has heard him speak in person becomes a supporter, so this is definitely money well spent.
Oct 27, 2011
keyword DONATIONS… and maybe he wouldn't spend so much flying everywhere to talk to people if the media would give him more attention like they do with other candidates. This is just another sucker punch towards Dr. Paul.
Oct 27, 2011
using the PRIVATE donations for their INTENDED PURPOSE. is this supposed to be a hit piece. Put a name on this article INQUISITR, who is the author?
Oct 27, 2011
Tell me again why this is important? Does he need more money? Because I'll be more than happy to make yet another donation to help him fly even more to counter this statist garbage type of hit piece that passes for journalism as well as the concerted statist propaganda media spin machine that will stop at nothing to prevent an honest constitutionalist from becoming president. Your gig is up. We're on to you!
Oct 27, 2011
Ryan 'Luxi' Rentfro So: you are saying that you were born a minute ago. How has the latest establishment drone in the Oval Office worket out for you?
Oct 28, 2011
Keep flying Ron Paul. Do you need more money?
Oct 28, 2011
So maybe he doesn't want to get molested by the TSA thugs! He has metal in his body so they harass a congressman every time he flies. This is no news!
Ron Paul 2012 or BU$T!
Oct 28, 2011
The other candidates don't spend as much because they use our tax money. This isn't that hard to understand.
Oct 28, 2011
need to change FCC regulations that say only Dems and Repubs get equal air time.
Oct 30, 2011
Ron Paul will enjoy the private jet trip. As this would make a pleasant and private trip. http://www.247jet.com/