David Turner, a spokesman for the Warner Campaign shares, "Senator Warner has only used propeller planes, not luxury jets. We're glad to see that Ed Gillespie has said he will hold himself to the same standard Senator Warner has set."
Turner adds that the newest plane used by Warner was built more than 20 years ago in 1991. Most were 30, even 40 years old. Also, yesterday Ed Gillespie said he would not take any chartered planes, now he is saying he will.
A plane chartered by U.S. Senator Mark Warner cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars last year.
We caught up with Senator Warner as he toured Cargill in Dayton Saturday afternoon. He was talking with leaders in the poultry industry, but he also answered my questions about the $8,500 spent flying around Virginia last summer on a chartered plane.
Warner's reps say the plane helped him visit more places than afforded by a car. Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine took a similar trip by car that only cost about $690. These numbers are based on a report by USA Today.
Warner's opponent, Ed Gillespie, says if elected, he'll only use basic planes or fly commercial when getting around Virginia.
Warner responded to this report Friday afternoon saying, "Over the last five years, I've returned more than $1.6 million to the taxpayers from my staff and travel budget. I'm glad that I get all over Virginia to see people and meet with constituents. That's part of my job."
The report detailing the $8,500 plane bill accounts for a four-day trip around Virginia that covered about a thousand miles. Senators pay for their official duties from taxpayer-funded accounts set aside for them to cover costs of staff and travel.
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