(Gov.) Rounds' family, friends fly free on state planes (R-S.D.)

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050925/NEWS/509250314/1001

STU WHITNEY & TERRY WOSTER
Argus Leader

Gov. Mike Rounds has sparked a significant rise in the use of state-owned aircraft since taking office in 2003 - and many of his flights include personal trips.

Rounds, a licensed pilot who routinely flies the planes himself, has used government aircraft to ferry family and friends to his sons' high school and college activities. He also has flown to Republican Party functions in cities such as Las Vegas, Seattle, New Orleans and Boca Raton, Fla.

... "Just because I'm governor, that doesn't mean I shouldn't use the tools available to get to my kids' events," said Rounds, who oversaw the state's purchase of a 1995 Beechcraft King Air 90 for $1.5 million earlier this year. "If I'm going someplace and can coordinate the trip so that I also see my kids' activities, I do my best to do that."

... Rounds' method of reimbursement for personal flights might put South Dakota in violation of federal law, according to aviation experts and government officials. They say that accepting payment from an outside entity such as the Governor's Club puts the state in the position of operating aircraft for commercial purposes.

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law too!

That must be what keeps them so loyal. The promise that someday, they too will get to milk the system for everything it "owes" them.

certainly it's ok for them to be all standing there with their open ands outstrerched. It's only welfare when the Indians get help.

After all, isn't the Rethuglican cry "family values". Did you really think they meant "valued families"?

:sarcasm:

With his own money? A King Air? Give me a break.

Because I'd love to hear what he has to say about this. I'll be listening tomorrow afternoon.

Though I think I heard him say a while back that he's actually living just across the state line in Moorhead, Minn., now.