Posted on 06/25/2005 6:20:24 PM PDT by CedarDave
It's officially called the Cessna Citation Bravo.
But the $5.5 million jet Gov. Bill Richardson's administration plans to buy has also become peppered with nicknames: Cinco de Million, the Pork Barrel, Supersized and Richardson's Folly.
The jet jokes were spurred by the purchase, which Republican leaders said was outlandish. The aircraft purchase proposal was the impetus for an anti-Richardson ad that the GOP started airing statewide and in New Hampshire on Wednesday.
"It hit a nerve. I think people were outraged," said Marta Kramer, executive director of the state Republican Party.
The ad, a parody of the old television show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," criticizes the first-term Democratic governor for more than his jet aspirations: It includes jabs at what Republicans claim are three chefs employed by Richardson, his frequent flying and [his] fast driving.
While the Republicans are calling the ad Operation: High Roller, the Governor's Office says it's malicious.
"This is a desperate, pathetic, partisan attack filled with lies and complete fabrications, and about what you would expect from a party that lacks leadership and any real ideas for moving New Mexico forward," said Gilbert Gallegos, a Richardson spokesman.
With jets zooming in the background, slot machines ringing and a car speeding away, the ad also talks about a person who "travels with a large entourage of body guards and staff to places like Europe and Las Vegas."
The ad asks "Is it P. Diddy? Britney Spears? No, it's Governor Bill Richardson."
GOP state chairman Allen Weh said the party decided to air the ad in New Hampshire, where Richardson was earlier this week, to let out-of-staters hear what Republicans here think of the governor.
Republicans say Richardson has raised more taxes than he's cut since taking office in 2003.
(Excerpt) Read more at 1.abqtrib.com ...
Similar thing in Alaska, but it is a Republican Gov wanting to buy a jet.
Is your governor planning to use it in a run for President in 2008?
Alaska's a bigger state than New Mexico and has few roads. It fits better there than here. Besides, you have all that oil money to spend!
Great ads!
http://www.gopnm.org/
Don't worry, he promises not to fly over 110 mph. That's standard Gubmint speed.
It almost sounds like the GOP is making sure nobody challenges hellary. I dunno why they would be attacking the Gov. of NM in NH.
In my opinion Richardson is the strongest Democrat contender because he can keep the Republican candidate from getting the 40% of the Hispanic vote we need to win.
We've got the same thing here in WA - except it's a Beechjet 400. They decided to replace the Governor's King Air with it.
Boy, that must suck.
Is there more than one airport in Arkasas big enoiugh to handle jets are would he have to land it in Texas or Oklahoma?
Damn few landing places for a bizjet in AK. I'd think a Beaver - or better yet a retired C123 or C130 would be a great Governor's plane up there. Something that can land on unimproved runways, with or without skis.
Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) is a snake. People who don't live here think he's that softspoken "nice" democrat that chats with Sean Hannity on occasion. He rules Santa Fe with an iron fist and has a track record of intimidating political opponents. He's also well connected, extremely politically motivated, and of the right ethnic group to sway the ingnorati vote. He's our Bill Clinton waiting in the wings. Never take your eyes off of him or underestimate him.
Remember the North Korean "summit"??? Richardson is one of the 'toon's inner circle, and was a major player in Chinagate as well.
Bring on the decent!
He should have at least shown some common sense and acquired a Gulfstream! (a real aircraft)
Damn few landing places for a bizjet in AKThere are a number of options available; I suspect there is more than one 'operator' in that state who could provide the necessary transportation on a charter basis, employing the A/C type(s) needed for the job/destination(s) ...
Snake and "D" in the same political sentence is redundancy.
Now labeled the "Hawker 400".
And Gilbert is actively trying to acquire this person to be a beneficial acquisition to the DNC's agenda.
What is wrong with Monica Lewinsky's Employment agent getting a nice jet so that he can flit around with the Clintoooooooons?
A governor just can't get where he has to go fast enough by travelling via the road system. Our governor, former Mayor of Philadelphia and chairman of of the dummocrat party, never misses a sports event anywhere in Pennsylvania. He has a State trooper drive him over 100 mph often so he can get to his box seats. Besides, if your stuck in the middle of the state with hicks around Harriburg, it's tough to make all those great sports events in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
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