Senator Thomas: Governor Took Pricier Flights On 4 More Trips
Published: August 24, 2009
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina state senator who accused Gov. Mark Sanford of breaking the law by using pricey airplane tickets says he has discovered additional flights that violate rules requiring officials use lowest-cost travel.
Republican Sen. David Thomas said Monday that Sanford flew business class on trips to Austria, Japan and China, Germany and Poland that cost taxpayers nearly $14,000 more than economy class.
Thomas, who is running for Congress, earlier reported two trips that cost taxpayers an extra $13,700.
Sanford has said the costly seats were needed for the governor to be well rested.
Sanford spokesman Ben Fox said Monday the governor had no additional comment.
Sanford has been under scrutiny since he revealed a yearlong affair in June.
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The costlier seats were needed for him to be well rested? Is that what he said? He ought to be VERY well rested with all the frequent vacations he takes, wouldn’t you think? And that extra $13,000 that those tickets cost? No wonder he didn’t want the stimulus money…HE was getting stimulated every which way he turned.
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