The recent problem that Governor Matt Blunt’s private plane had while he was flying around the state promoting an education initiative brings up questions of the need for the Governor to travel as much as he does on private aircraft. Blunt is probably the first Governor in this state to use private aircraft as extensively as he does for state business. Blunt spokesman Spence Jackson says the governor has to get out to the people of this state. And, Jackson says the Governor is taking the private planes so no state tax dollars will be spent on these types of trips. But Missouri is no stranger to the problems that can be associated with private plane travel for top elected officials. Governor Mel Carnahan was killed five years ago during his senatorial campaign when his private plane crashed. Jackson points out that problems could arise while riding on a state airplane as well.
