The Associated Press features a study of the ongoing airplane battle between Missouri Democrats and Republicans.
The Democrats are upset about Governor Matt Blunt's use of private airplanes and paying for air travel through campaign funds. Though it is true that the practice saves the taxpayers money, it could cost far more in the long run, since it enables the governor to avoid releasing the names of which special interests are flying with him, information that the taxpayers have the right to know.
At the same time, the Republicans have been critical of Attorney General Jay Nixon's use of a state plane for what they term as campaign trips to Joplin and Springfield last month.
It is the very openness of Missouri laws concerning use of state aircraft that enables the GOP to make these charges. Nixon says the trips were to discuss water quality issues with editorial boards at the Joplin Globe and the Springfield News-Leader and that he answered their questions on political issues afterward.
When the governor and the attorney general are conducting state business, they should use state transportation.
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