Missouri GOP rips Nixon for "self-serving" use of state plane

The Missouri Republican Party continued its attacks on Gov. Jay Nixon today, following up on the criticisms presented by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Nixon's expected challenger next year, during his response to the State of the State message last night. The following news release was issued:

Yesterday, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder delivered the Republican Response to the State of the State address. In his remarks, Kinder criticized Gov. Nixon for making “unnecessary trips on the state plane” and “showboating and grandstanding” instead of standing up for Missourians.


This morning, the Jefferson City News-Tribune published an editorial slamming the governor for his use of the state plane while billing cash-strapped state agencies for the flights, which they called “a pathetic practice and poor public policy.” They even noted that “many of the governor’s flights are self-serving, dog-and-pony show photo opportunities.”

“When it comes to fighting for Missouri jobs and standing up the federal governor, all too often, Jay Nixon has remained on the sidelines,” said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party. “More and more, Missourians are realizing that Jay Nixon is only interested in being governor for the perks such as use of the state plane and tickets to the luxury boxes at sporting events. It’s time for Jay Nixon to cool it with the unnecessary extravagance and begin leading by example.”