The Virginian-Pilot
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Virginia spent an estimated $3 to $5 million on inauguration-related expenses that have not yet been reimbursed, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said today during his regular appearance on a Washington, D.C. radio station.
“Hopefully we can find some relief in that,” he said on the WTOP radio show of the state’s public safety and transportation expenses associated with Barack Obama’s inauguration. “I know D.C.’s costs were huge and Maryland’s were as well.”
The governor also discussed his role in the Jan. 20 inauguration and fielded wide-ranging questions from WTOP callers on the health of the Chesapeake Bay, unemployment benefits and the looming budget fight in the General Assembly.
Before the end of February, state legislators will work to hammer out an austere state budget; cuts of at least $2.9 billion are needed to balance the state spending plan. Those revisions are required due to the effects of the ongoing national economic recession.
Kaine has proposed a series of savings strategies, including a plan to raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 30 cents.
During the radio show, the governor also responded to criticism about his new role as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, one of the most politically partisan posts in the nation.
At a time when Virginia is facing its own issues, some Republicans have said Kaine’s focus should be exclusively on state problems.
“We’re talking about governing the country. And trying to be involved in a way, at the President’s request, to help him promote his agenda and have him be successful is something that I consider very important,” Kaine said. “And I think it’s actually going to be good for Virginia. When I get a chance to talk to the President and his team about the stimulus package, I think that’s going to be good for Virginia.”
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Gertz point redux
That part is correct ($40 million), but it does not add in the security cost which was $117 Million. It wouldn't take a second grader 5 minutes to find that information.
Well, fair enough there, Gertz. Can you get a second grader to provide a source for YOUR figure? Typing in "bush second inaugural security costs $117 million" produces nothing on it, on any search engine I've utilized. But I repeat, EVERY media source I am able to access lists the secong inaugural costing $40 million, TOTAL, for EVERYTHING. If you have different sources, please, share them. After all, it's no skin off my backside if you're correct! But that begs the question: are the figures given for Obama TOTAL, or for just the events, like the balls, dinners, etc?
cheapeakeguy
"The total cost of Mr. Bush's second inauguration was roughly $40 million, including concerts, dinners and balls that were paid for by private donations."
That part is correct ($40 million), but it does not add in the security cost which was $117 Million. It wouldn't take a second grader 5 minutes to find that information.
I'm sure if one researches
I'm sure if one researches the Web extensively, they can come up with any figure they want. The 2 links below are among many that came back when I typed in "Cost of Bush's second inaugural" in my search bar. The first address is a conservative paper, the Washington Times, as is the quote. The second is from London, and this one is cetainly no bane of conservatives. Also, the Pilot itself used the $40 million figure in their editorials condemning the cost at the time, but I don't have time to find that link. If someone chooses to brand me a liar about that, oh well. They may want to research the Pilot themselves...Enjoy!
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/20/15-million-for-inauguration-less-than-cost-for-bus/
"The total cost of Mr. Bush's second inauguration was roughly $40 million, including concerts, dinners and balls that were paid for by private donations."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article403037.ece
And how much did VA pay? If it was a dime it was too much.
And how much did VA pay? If it was a dime it was too much. That was my point. Those who attend are the ones who shouyld pay.
in 2005
In 2005 George W. Bush inauguration costs $157 Million, including security.
This story got buried rather quickly by the Pilot.
This story got buried rather quickly by the Pilot. Most do if they are all negative posts about Kaine or Lucas.
Why?
I was always told all the money for the inaugural events comes from the DNC. Now that Kaine is head of it, I guess he can do what he wants.."when the President does it it isn't wrong" sound familiar? ..."I won" (what a brat)...how much other arrogance do we need. I didn't vote for either Kaine or Obama, and I didn't get my raise...evidently it went towards a really nice party. How can we stop this!
Where are the usual fat cats?
Why would any state money have to be spent on this event? I thought the usual corporate fat cats were footing the bill, especially when they can get it all back via our tax dollar bailout? Heck, this thing cost what, almost $200 million? But, there would only be outrage if this involved a Republican admin inaugural. A look back at Bush's second one proves that. Oh, how the Pilot was all atwitter about the $40 million (total, no figures were presented on any state funds used that I can recall) spent on it! But, the Pilot will run interference for Kaine just like they do Obama, Frank, Geither, the Clintons, etc. Change we can believe in? Not in Washington, and certainly not in our local paper!
Wasted money when Broke
I don't care who was elected President, there is no excuse for such a waste of money with the economy as bad as it is. Our Governor obviously doesn't care about the people of Virginia. No wonder he wants to close the Southeastern Virginia Training Center. He wasted the money which could have allowed them to be kept open on parties and such. Obviously he believes parties are more important than our handicapped Virginians.
As a taxpaying Virginian
Who should I file the lawsuit against! That'll be the only way to get the money back.