Martin AustermuhleWhile Washington is embroiled in scandal over lobbyist-funded junkets and gifts for members of Congress, Virginia doesn’t much bat an eyelid at similar practices.
WJLA is reporting that Virginia lawmakers took in some $315,000 worth of trips, gifts, meals, and transportation last year from lobbyists and wealthy hosts, up from $284,000 in 2004. Among that lavish spending — which is neither illegal nor unusual in our southern neighbor — was an $18,000 Caribbean getaway for now Governor Tim Kaine, as noted the Washington Times yesterday. Kaine, his wife, and their three children took a 10-day December excursion to Mustique — an exclusive Caribbean destination — all paid for by James B. Murray Jr., a wealthy investor and associate of former Governor Mark Warner. Kaine led the gift-getting tally, coming in at $24,350.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, other gifts included trips to Paradise Island, Bahamas and Taipei, Taiwan, and any of the following:
…a Japanese chef’s knife, flowers, gift baskets, clothing and tickets to any number of events, including Washington Redskins games, NASCAR races, the Virginia Opera, theme parks, trail rides and the Rolling Stones concert at the University of Virginia in October.
Note to self: move to Virginia. Run for office. Demand gifts and trips. Claim they are all for “educational” purposes. Live large.
