Report: Palin tapped travel allowance at home

[tarkman1]

The Washington Post reports:

WASHINGTON - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has charged her state a daily allowance, normally used for official travel, for more than 300 nights spent at her home, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

An analysis of travel statements filed by the governor, now John McCain's Republican running mate, shows she claimed the per diem allowance on 312 occasions when she was home in Wasilla and that she billed taxpayers $43,490 for travel by her husband and children.

Per diem payments are meant for meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business. State officials told The Post her claims — nearly $17,000 over 19 months — were permitted because her "duty station" is Juneau, the capital, and she was in Wasilla 600 miles away. The governor moved to Juneau last year but often stays in Wasilla and works 45 miles away, in a state office in Anchorage.

Palin's spending and record in office are coming under intense scrutiny as she is presented to the nation as a champion of ethics reform and frugal use of tax dollars — a leader who put the state jet on sale on eBay and drives herself to work.

The Post's analysis shows her husband Todd and their daughters were reimbursed by taxpayers for many trips between Wasilla and Juneau as well as for a variety of other travel that was also listed as state business. Palin's aides said travel by Alaska's first family is part of the job.

But it's not clear when children's travel expenses should be covered. State finance director Kim Garnero told the paper the government covers the travel costs of anyone conducting state business and, "I can't imagine kids could be doing that."

Palin took her daughter Bristol to New York in October for a conference on women and leadership, a tour of the New York Stock Exchange and various meetings, the analysis shows. Travel costs included three nights in a hotel room costing more than $700 a night.

Overall, Palin's travel spending pales in comparison with that of predecessor Frank Murkowski, who charged $463,000 for air fare in 2006. Palin charged $93,000 in 2007.

Palin spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt said Tuesday that the governor is expected to travel frequently. "This is part of her job and it's only reasonable her travel expenses — which were reduced dramatically from the previous administration — would be covered," Schmitt said.

[rideit]

A corrupt, self-serving politician?
Never.

As an aside, Ol' Dick went fishing on the Teton river here in Idaho a few weeks ago. Arrived from JH in two helicopters (that hovered over him for 6 hours as he fished) along with a team of sharpshooters, Navy/SS frogs, multiple SS servicemen in dories, on land, and in vehicles. probably a detail of 40. (I don't know how many black Suburbans drove over the Pass for this jaunt)
How much do you figure it cost the US taxpayers for ol' Dick to catch a few fish?
How much fuel do you think was used?
Do you think he paid the tip with his own cash?

[MashedPotatoes]

nice work if you can get it eh?

[splat]

Do you think he paid the tip with his own cash?

There's no such thing as a politician with his own money.
They simply reallocate it from your pocket to theirs.

[timvwcom]

Report: Palin tapped travel allowance at home

I'm so glad it's not always me breaking these stories on TGR... I'd probably seem all crazy-googly-eyed obsessed or something. (http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1988247&postcount=261)

http://bp1.blogger.com/_J4N4CDmvUJs/SEBSxhm5HnI/AAAAAAAAAIY/zFvDyFOyIA0/s400/funny-dog-pictures-googly-eyes-googling-google.jpg

[tarkman1]

All those people and resources following Cheney is part of the protections provided to the office of the VP, not the person holding the office.

Palin claims to be an ethics reformer, but doesn't walk the walk. It took an outsider to break the story. I'd have to guess because anyone within her reach would probably withhold for fear of reprisal. After all from what I've read, Palin doesn't react well to dissent. I am reminded of this quote: "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned."

[rideit]

All those people and resources following Cheney is part of the protections provided to the office of the VP, not the person holding the office.

"
Well then, IF Dick loves his country, and wants to do the best by it, shouldn't he consider refraining from fishing while he is in ofice (or be willing to foot the costs ot of his pocket)
Just that fishing trip alone could have likely purchased body armour for 100 soldiers, to put it in repub terms.

[Big Balls]

Are you kidding me? Hundreds of mere Senators and Congressmen get reimbursed for commutting between their homes and she is GOVENOR. Not only that I believe when she ran for Govenor she even told the electorate that she planned on doing that.

[rideit]

BB, I think you should READ the article.
Then react.

[timvwcom]

Are you kidding me? Hundreds of mere Senators and Congressmen get reimbursed for commutting between their homes and she is GOVENOR. Not only that I believe when she ran for Govenor she even told the electorate that she planned on doing that.

But you are missing the point... she's taking travel reimbursements for staying AT HER OWN HOUSE, not commuting/traveling to other far away states like them Congress and Senate persons.

[grrrr]

I knew a few of the Alaska Governors in my day. I was impressed with Tony as I would occasionally run into him on flights. He was always in the back, never traveled first class. It's too bad he's not running. I'd vote for him.

[Big Balls]

You guys are really reaching for just anything you can aren't you? You guys have no idea how desperate you sound. I love it though. Anything to take focus off the real race :)

[Summit]

47K... that's small change in political scandals... not even petty cash

[David Witherspoon]

47K... that's small change in political scandals... not even petty cash
I hear ya. Like my mom always said, it's okay to steal a few bucks. Just don't get carried away there. Aahh, brings back hometown middle 'merican values ...

But the important thing is that this shows Palin's preparedness for the national stage.
Lessee, it's ok to steal $47k in a State with a $41 billion GDP.
The U.S. GDP is ~$13 trillion. So VP Palin should be able to get away with 13 Tn * 47k / 41 Bn ~ $15 million in petty cash.

No problemo.

Though I have no idea where you pulled that $47k from, nor whether she shoulda pulled it or not. Maybe she was just the lesser of two thieves ...

[MTT]

The Washington Post reports:

WASHINGTON - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has charged her state a daily allowance, normally used for official travel, for more than 300 nights spent at her home, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

An analysis of travel statements filed by the governor, now John McCain's Republican running mate, shows she claimed the per diem allowance on 312 occasions when she was home in Wasilla and that she billed taxpayers $43,490 for travel by her husband and children.

Per diem payments are meant for meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business. State officials told The Post her claims — nearly $17,000 over 19 months — were permitted because her "duty station" is Juneau, the capital, and she was in Wasilla 600 miles away. The governor moved to Juneau last year but often stays in Wasilla and works 45 miles away, in a state office in Anchorage.

Palin's spending and record in office are coming under intense scrutiny as she is presented to the nation as a champion of ethics reform and frugal use of tax dollars — a leader who put the state jet on sale on eBay and drives herself to work.

The Post's analysis shows her husband Todd and their daughters were reimbursed by taxpayers for many trips between Wasilla and Juneau as well as for a variety of other travel that was also listed as state business. Palin's aides said travel by Alaska's first family is part of the job.

But it's not clear when children's travel expenses should be covered. State finance director Kim Garnero told the paper the government covers the travel costs of anyone conducting state business and, "I can't imagine kids could be doing that."

Palin took her daughter Bristol to New York in October for a conference on women and leadership, a tour of the New York Stock Exchange and various meetings, the analysis shows. Travel costs included three nights in a hotel room costing more than $700 a night.

Overall, Palin's travel spending pales in comparison with that of predecessor Frank Murkowski, who charged $463,000 for air fare in 2006. Palin charged $93,000 in 2007.

Palin spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt said Tuesday that the governor is expected to travel frequently. "This is part of her job and it's only reasonable her travel expenses — which were reduced dramatically from the previous administration — would be covered," Schmitt said.

All I got out of this is that she is a (Work From Home) Govenor. I also noticed that she and her family billed less for Travel and Expenses than I do in a year traveling for consulting work, even onprojects where I was work a project 300 miles from home. She is 600 miles from Juno.

I am curious why her husband was able to bill for Travel to Iron Man event ?

But in the Scheme of things, she is not costing the State of Alaska much as a Govenor. Just the familly passing on Security 24/7 has been a hudge savings to Alaskan Taxpayers

What did you think about her putting (ALL Govenment Expendatures) on the state WEB site for all to see. I belive the information quoted here was readilly available in the public domain (At Her Request)!

[GoldMember]

Well then, IF Dick loves his country, and wants to do the best by it, shouldn't he consider refraining from fishing while he is in ofice (or be willing to foot the costs ot of his pocket)
Just that fishing trip alone could have likely purchased body armour for 100 soldiers, to put it in repub terms.

This has nothing to do with R's or D's, it's the state of security to protect those who are in office and subject to someone taking them out. What you're suggesting is that anyone who elects to run for office should just plan on doing absolutely nothing that isn't related to their job. Never leave the office, never participate in any outside activities, never be in the public's eye, just isolate yourself and totally lose touch of what's happening in the world and never plan again to ski, fish, hunt (bad choice for Cheney in any circumstance), ride a bike, see your family, whatever. The reality is that the associated costs aren't terribly different regardless of the activity since they're under 24/7 security no matter what they do. Regardless of the party, all highly visible elected officials are potential targets to those who don't like them. Are you suggesting they should just never do those things they liked before they were elected? The need for security is directly related to their jobs and we should therefore expect part of the expense of the job is to pay for their security, regardless if it's needed to attend a conference in Russia or to go fishing in Idaho. It sounds like your protest to Dick's trip is more centered around it being Dick and not a more favored official.

[AdironRider]

A corrupt, self-serving politician?
Never.

As an aside, Ol' Dick went fishing on the Teton river here in Idaho a few weeks ago. Arrived from JH in two helicopters (that hovered over him for 6 hours as he fished) along with a team of sharpshooters, Navy/SS frogs, multiple SS servicemen in dories, on land, and in vehicles. probably a detail of 40. (I don't know how many black Suburbans drove over the Pass for this jaunt)
How much do you figure it cost the US taxpayers for ol' Dick to catch a few fish?
How much fuel do you think was used?
Do you think he paid the tip with his own cash?

I remember the day I moved to Jackson I was at KMart buying the usualy move in supplies, when ol Dick rolls in to buy a bag of Lays and a bottle of Coke. To do this required 12 SS dudes blocking off his respective aisle as he roamed around, plus another 12 or so outside securing the building and whatnot. They rolled up in 4 huge Suburbans with police detail. All so Dick could pick up a bag of chips. If I were him I would have sent one of my peons to go buy em for me, but Im just lazy.

[rideit]

GM, I am well aware of all of that. One of my dad's friends growing up was an SS agent. Please.
But this little 6 hour jaunt likely cost taxpayers hundreds upon hundreds of thousands. That could be used better. Why shouldn't Dick pay for his voluntary recreation? I would think that would be a reasonable expectation of sacrifice for the short time he is in office. And I would feel the same about any politician who squanders that much of OUR money to rip a few lips. I propose a reform...

[AdironRider]

GM, I am well aware of all of that. One of my dad's friends growing up was an SS agent. Please.
But this little 6 hour jaunt likely cost taxpayers hundreds upon hundreds of thousands. That could be used better. Why shouldn't Dick pay for his voluntary recreation? I would think that would be a reasonable expectation of sacrifice for the short time he is in office. And I would feel the same about any politician who squanders that much of OUR money to rip a few lips. I propose a reform...


Dude seriously, hes the Vice President of the US. Whether or not hes a douche doesnt change that hes going to have some serious protection no matter where he goes. To suggest that the VP should have to pay for his security detail is absurd. Think about it. Its one thing for Britney Spears to have to pay for her own security, but regardless of your politics the VP has the right to some protection. Get over the fact that the guy sucks and respect the position itself at least.

[The AD]

You guys are really reaching for just anything you can aren't you?

In the overall scheme of things it's pretty minor, but just another chink in the armor. Would you do what she did? Face it, it's dishonest if what that story reports really is the whole story. I'm sure the Repubs will justify it. I'll wait till I see their explanation before I pass judgment.

[tarkman1]

So, it's okay for someone to claim they are for ethics reform, but not include themselves in that discussion when they're actions are clearly questionable.

It looks like Palin will have no problems fitting into the Beltway. Reformer? Only in the sense that she may be able to elevate the performance bar for self-interest DC political manuevering.

[advres]

Do you think he paid the tip with his own cash?


There's no such thing as a politician with his own money.
They simply reallocate it from your pocket to theirs.

So he would be tipping you with your own money and then stealing it back later, correct?

What a gig!

[GoldMember]

Rideit -

Part of the justification of lower salaries for elected officials when compared to those of people in private industry with similar concerns is the security detail. In overall cost to taxpayers, combine the salaries, travel expenses, security detail costs, retirement benefits and compare them to those in the private sector with similar security concerns (entertainers, corp. CEO's, whomever) and tell me that we're not getting a pretty good deal, cost-wise. To suggest that they either pay out of their own pockets puts major restrictions on those who may not be able to afford it. Look at Biden for example. I think his reported net worth is less than $150k. His income as a Senator is less than many salespeople I know and for him to be stuck paying for his own security in order to do anything that isn't official business would mean he wouldn't do anything except official business. It comes with the job and I, for one anyway, don't have a problem paying for it. If we had fewer whacks out there, maybe the cost wouldn't be necessary. Unfortunately, that's the world we live in.

[rideit]

AR, you are missing my point. A reasonable amount of security for day to day activities, fine. But to spend hundreds of thousands of OUR money so he can fish? That's entitlement theivery, period. Maybe a per diem on security, but additional billing for extraneous recreational activities might be in order?

[grrrr]

She is 600 miles from Juno.


Poor Juno. She's probably lonely.

[AdironRider]

And because you hate Cheney youre missing my point. You make it sound like he chooses to have this much security himself and himself only. He doesnt really have a say in the matter. Dont you think there are a bunch of other people in DC that make the call as to what is safe for the VP or not? You think hes calling all the shots and demanding all the detail thats provided? Who really wants all that crap on a fishing trip? He probably would rather have none and enjoy the tetons in solitude like the rest of us with a couple beers, but cant. You sound utterly rediculous. As previous posts have pointed out, these costs are are incorporated somewhat into their payscale to begin with. The president only makes 500k. A kid I went to school with sells porno online who makes 10x that yearly. Whats more important to the country and who's paid fairly (in pure monetary compensation terms)?

If you liked him you would never call for him to spend 100k on a security detail for a fishing trip. You know its true.

[grrrr]

AR, you are missing my point. A reasonable amount of security for day to day activities, fine. But to spend hundreds of thousands of OUR money so he can fish? That's entitlement theivery, period. Maybe a per diem on security, but additional billing for extraneous recreational activities might be in order?

Happens all the time. Ms. bush flew out to the Olympic National Park to do a little hiking and sightseeing. They shut that part of the park down to other visitors, kicked everyone out, and blew a ton of money on helicopters, security and private tours.

Meanwhile back in Washington her husband's administration was working on trying to slash funding for the park.

[rideit]

One point here:
Cheney is in an administration with a $407,000,000 deficit.
Seems a bit imprudent to CHOOSE to spend security money on a fishing trip when we owe so much.
That would be considered despicable financial decision making in your own household, would it not?
Does public service not also involve sacrifice, when necessary?

[GoldMember]

One point here:
Cheney is in an administration with a $407,000,000 deficit.
Seems a bit imprudent to CHOOSE to spend security money on a fishing trip when we owe so much.
That would be considered despicable financial decision making in your own household, would it not?
Does public service not also involve sacrifice, when necessary?

Cheney walked out of a job that paid him magnitudes more than what he receives as VP. That's true of many elected officials so the sacrifice already came about when he left a much more lucrative position. The associated security costs related to the fishing trip again were likely not much more significant than what would have been spent if he had done something more in your tastes. Again, in combination with a comparatively low salary, the cost of his security detail is just part of the overall package. Would you feel better if he was paid something like $5 million per year plus bonuses just so long as he paid for his own security?

[AdironRider]

One point here.

Hes the Vice President. The position is going to have a security detail whether its Cheney, Gore, or any of the other 50 some od VP's weve had. Every one of them is going to have a serious and expensive security detail as VP no matter their politics or whether Rideit likes them or not. Thats never going to change.

[tarkman1]

Rideit, is your problem (a) with Cheney or (b) with the policies of the federal government providing protection to the office of the VP?

Is it (a) or (b)?

[rideit]

Agreed.
But the truly in touch politician would not choose to squander the Sd budget on extravagance in a period of tight economy.Tark, I would definitely say that my concern here lies far more with B than A.
But fishing is NOT a duty of the 'office of the VP'.
That's my point here.
But I do despise A.

I would feel the same about any asswipe pissing away OUR money for his/her few hours of pleasure.

[GoldMember]

One point here.

Hes the Vice President. The position is going to have a security detail whether its Cheney, Gore, or any of the other 50 some od VP's weve had. Every one of them is going to have a serious and expensive security detail as VP no matter their politics or whether Rideit likes them or not. Thats never going to change.

Exactly. I think the answer to Tark's question is likely 'A'. Rideit, discuss why it is you hate Cheney. It's pointless to take it out on the fact he has the same 'perk' that every other VP has/had/or ever will have. Frankly, I think anyone who takes a job like that is nuts anyway. Who here would want to ski with 30 or so SS guys you don't even really know? On the upside, heli-skiing would suddenly be much more accessible.

edit: posted before I saw your last retort. All the presidents and VP's have used security for recreational activities for a long time, Clinton and Gore included. It doesn't necessarily get a lot of press as it's commonplace enough that the media doesn't view it as newsworthy. Again, I personally don't have an issue with it. You obviously do. We'll agree to disagree.

[Jer]

BURN THE WITCH!!!!!!!

[AdironRider]

I dont buy that if it was someone else other than Cheney that you wouldnt be slandering his simple fishing trip on the internet. Thats for damn sure.

With your logic the VP cant do anything (since hes got a large and expensive security detail) that isnt serving the citizens of the US. So he cant go see family for Christmas then? What about going to a kids school play or soccer game? Is he allowed to shop for groceries?

The grocery point makes me laugh, as I originally pointed out an instance where Cheney took his huge detail to buy a bag of chips. Was it large and expensive? Yes. Was it necessary? Yes. Do I understand that the position of VP is means alot to the country regardless of politics and should be protected? Yes. This is the nature of being number 2 in command of the free world.

[gonehuckin]

As much as I think it would be justice to see Cheney locked up under correctional security with his idea of vacation being a few hours in the yard each day, thats not the case. His expenses as VP are fine by me and his security detail should not be his concern. He should probably pay the equivalent of his housing, a first class flight to these locations, entertainment and his own food. But the private plane, security and other necessary items are ours to bear.


And Palin spent and was reimbursed approximately 1/10th of the previous governor. I have plenty of problems with her but she spent less than half of what I've spent on business expenses over the last year. And I certainly don't have the responsibility that she carried.

Picking her expense account apart like this is simply penny wise and pound foolish.

Then again, selling the AK private plane and taking a $500K bath on it wasn't exactly the most fiscally responsible move.....and the bridge to no where....and five kids.....

[Big Balls]

Then again, selling the AK private plane and taking a $500K bath on it wasn't exactly the most fiscally responsible move.....and the bridge to no where....and five kids.....

A $500k bath? You people do you realize that you just can't go out, buy a $100k Mercedes from a dealer and then the next year come back and sell it back to him for $100k? You are aware of this correct?

[gonehuckin]

A $500k bath? You people do you realize that you just can't go out, buy a $100k Mercedes from a dealer and then the next year come back and sell it back to him for $100k? You are aware of this correct?

I'm actually just one person.

Yes I understand depreciating assets. I also understand that she attempted to sell it on ebay at market value and when it didn't sell multiple times(ebay isn't a jet broker), she turned it over as quickly as possible for $500K less than what the plane was worth.

[AstroPax]

A reasonable amount of security for day to day activities, fine. But to spend hundreds of thousands of OUR money so he can fish? That's entitlement theivery, period. Maybe a per diem on security, but additional billing for extraneous recreational activities might be in order?

Funny thing, isn't it, that I didn't hear any of you assphats complain about USSS protective detail costs when Clinton was in office. Gee, I wonder how much it cost the US taxpayer to cover the security for Chelsea when she was snowboarding at Park City???...or when Bill was making his midnight runs to Mickey Ds for a Big Mac and fries, super-sized of course.

[rideit]

Here is the deal...shit has changed.
And yes, changed radically, cost wise, in the last eight years.
In the past, a VP would have maybe had a few thousand in costs for a simple fishing trip...but NOW, it costs upwards of $300,000.
Of OUR money (not the VP's)
Prudence would be served if the notion of that trip were currently cancelled, seing as our nation is, effectively, BROKE.
How can any of you argue otherwise?
For any current VP, Dem or Rep.?

Shouldn't they be accountable for their expenses, in general?

[Arty50]

For those defending these "expenditures," consider this. If you had be audited by the IRS and were claiming time at home as a business expense, you'd be paying some really nice penalties.

I'm sorry, but time at home just doesn't pass muster no matter how you cut it. People who telecommute don't get to claim their time at home as an expense. So why is this any different.

In this case wrong is wrong, and no justification (including she claimed less than the previous governor) is acceptable. Simply put, she's claiming an expense that pretty much no other person on the planet claims...except for maybe other politicians. For me, that actually makes this worse.

[gonehuckin]

For those defending these "expenditures," consider this. If you had be audited by the IRS and were claiming time at home as a business expense, you'd be paying some really nice penalties.

I'm sorry, but time at home just doesn't pass muster no matter how you cut it. People who telecommute don't get to claim their time at home as an expense. So why is this any different.

In this case wrong is wrong, and no justification (including she claimed less than the previous governor) is acceptable. Simply put, she's claiming an expense that pretty much no other person on the planet claims...except for maybe other politicians. For me, that actually makes this worse.

I telecommute and I claim many of the same things she does. I expense meals and miles if I go into the office 60 miles away. I expense food delivery if I'm working on a project late and I dont have time to cook. I even claim the "office space" on my taxes which is really just a corner in my bedroom. Plus they let me claim dry cleaning. Not once has anyone said that my expenses are outlandish.

[The AD]

I telecommute and I claim many of the same things she does.

Do you get a per diem for telecommuting, though?

I agree with Arty. The dollar figure means nothing here. Either she's charging her expenses legitimately or she isn't, and based on the facts presented here it seems pretty dishonest to me.

[smitchell333]

I've never wanted to be in public office, but this whole Cheney fishing/helicopter thing makes me think...

What could I do with 2 helicopters, hmmmm.

[ak_powder_monkey]

meh compared to frank the bank this is nothing... I mean Palin is a shitty governor who is out of touch with the people and doesn't realize that our state is fucking loaded and needs some capital investment while we have the money, but our public servants get paid like shit, the only way they can support themselves is with per diems...