The controversy over Bob Riley using the state plane to travel to a political fundraiser and refusing to pay for it because he also had a closed-door meet with an industrial prospect is nothing new. The White House perfected that subterfuge starting at least with Ronald Regan and continuing through Bush#1, Bill Clinton, Bush#2, and-- I guess-- President Obama.
They would want to make a fundraising speech for some candidate's re-election in Twiddletown , so suddenly there would be a need to go to that very same Twiddletown (Coincidence!). Let's go inspect that bootlace making factory! Fire up Air Force One! Or schedule the first lady to read to the Twiddletown kiddies and have the Prez go along (Coincidence!) to raise a few Million for the campaign.
Here's a simple rule that could be followed by politicians of all stripes who really want to avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance to a conflict: If in doubt, either don't do it, or pay half the fare in the interest of not even appearing to be cheating taxpayers. If there was a secret industrial development meeting up in Huntsville, great. But attending a fundraiser on the same taxpayer funded trip is fairly easily avoided. Do the right thing. Make the campaign pay for half the trip.
Some "controversy." Joe Turnham criticizes Riley and it's a controversy. He does that in his sleep, I bet.
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