Taxpayers forked over $17,000 in flight costs for Vice President Joe Biden’s trip to New Hampshire last year, where he campaigned for Democratic Senate and House candidates, according to Judicial Watch.
The conservative government watchdog group says that records obtained from the Air Force show that Biden’s journey aboard Air Force Two to the Granite State for a September event at the Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth cost $17,025.
Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who was running for re-election, appeared alongside Biden reportedly to help Democrats heading into the midterm elections. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter of New Hampshire, along with Reps. Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud of Maine, were said to have also attended the gathering.
The costs included three hours of flight time at $5,675 an hour, which does not include Secret Service expenses, says Judicial Watch, which obtained the Air Force records in response to a Freedom of Information request last year.
Judicial Watch reported that the Obama administration billed Biden’s New Hampshire appearance as an "effort to celebrate shipyard workers." But media reports called the event political in nature.
New Hampshire Public Radio was quoted at the time as saying, "Vice President Joe Biden visited the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Wednesday. His stated reason was to celebrate shipyard workers — but it was clear he was also there to boost Democrats heading into election season."
Judicial Watch has reported in the past that campaigns and political parties pay nearly nothing for the political use of Air Force One or Air Force Two.
"Joe Biden, like the Obamas, mistakes the Air Force for Uber," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "The scam of presidents and vice presidents using tax dollars to subsidize candidates running for office must end.
"Did Senator Shaheen reimburse taxpayers for sending Vice President Biden to campaign for her? Our military has been decimated and is under strain. Mr. Biden might want to consider this when he next considers using Air Force Two for a trip to New Hampshire or Iowa as he runs for the presidency."
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