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Holden Denies McCaskill's Claims About Airplane Use

Bob Holden and Claire McCaskill (file)
Bob Holden and Claire McCaskill (file)

By AP/KWMU

Jefferson City, MO – Missouri gubernatorial hopeful Claire McCaskill claims Governor Bob Holden flies state airplanes too frequently.

But Holden released figures Tuesday showing that he has taken fewer trips than other recent governors.

Figures from Holden's office say he flew on state planes on 335 days since he took office in January of 2001 through the end of last month.

That compares to 347 trips by Democratic Governor Mel Carnahan in the 1990s, and 420 flights by Republican Governor John Aschroft in the 1980s.

A McCaskill spokesman criticizes the purpose of some of Holden's trips, suggesting they were more personal than official.

During his first few months in office, Holden flew on 77 days, compared to 47 days by Carnahan and 48 by Ashcroft during similar first-term periods.

But Holden flew less frequently after that and later approved the sale of the state jet as a money-saving move.

The state fleet still includes several propeller planes.

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