This seems kinda quaint, considering Illinois has a fleet of state planes and a Tollway helicopter.
Gov. Bill Richardson found a surefire way to bypass traffic while heading to a bill-signing ceremony in Albuquerque last spring: Instead of driving the 60 miles south, he hopped aboard a speedy state police helicopter.
The New Mexico governor has taken 40 trips on the sleek state-of-the-art chopper since December 2003, when the state bought it for $3.8 million.
There’s nothing illegal about the governor’s flights — which take place, according to his administration, only if the aircraft is not needed by police.
But some Republicans accused Richardson, who is often mentioned as a possible Democratic presidential candidate, of showboating.
Showboating? What about this?
Bobby Rahal helped Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich open three new Open Road Tolling lanes on Dec. 11. The lanes allow drivers with I-PASS to get to their destinations faster on I-294 because they no longer have to slow down or stop at toll booths.
Rahal drove a red 2005 Indianapolis 500 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car through the new Touhy Avenue Plaza.
“Thanks to Bobby Rahal for coming out today to dramatize how Open Road Tolling lanes will allow motorists to get to their destinations faster,” Blagojevich said. “I’ve been coming out for each Open Road Tolling opening because I want drivers to know we are doing everything we can to reduce congestion.”
Now that’s showboating, my friends.