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Posted on 11/12/2005 1:52:53 PM PST by freepatriot32
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Nov. 11) - Critics have dubbed it "Bald Ego," "Murky's Turkey" and "Incontinental Airlines," but Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski finally has the sleek executive jet he says he and other state officials need.
The $2.6 million Westwind aircraft, equipped with a leather sofa, burgundy carpeting and a flush toilet, arrived this week in Anchorage and will replace a no-frills turboprop used by previous Alaska governors for official business.
Critics say Murkowski's jet is unusable in much of rural Alaska, where runways are too short and made of gravel or nonexistent.
Murkowski press secretary Becky Hultberg defended the purchase, saying the Republican governor believes that "this is an aircraft that Alaska needs as one of the most aviation-dependent states in the nation."
Alaska, which has a $30 billion oil-wealth savings account, is in better financial shape than most U.S. states. But the jet purchase has been cited as one reason for the former banker's low approval ratings.
Polls show him to be the nation's second-most-unpopular governor, topped only by Ohio Republican Gov. Robert Taft.
"Bald Ego" was the winner in a name-the-jet contest held by an Anchorage radio station. Runners-up included "Murky's Turkey" and, in a reference to the governor's complaints about the lack of a bathroom on the turboprop, "Incontinental Airlines."
Elected governor in 2002, Murkowski, a Republican, served as U.S. senator from Alaska from 1981 until 2003.
Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here
Meanwhile, most officials in the British government, fly British Airways.
Regards, Ivan
Oh, I would imagine that the Gov. of Alaska has had planes before this one. It'd be essential because the state is so large and regular commercial flights won't go to most places.
I suggest it would be more cost effective to charter a plane for those occasional trips, rather than buy this.
Regards, Ivan
Dump the Westwind for a Caravan or Super Cub.
/john
Well the out of the way location of the capital actually means this purchase makes some sense, doesn't it? Maybe they should have got a different plane that can land on shorter runways, but a plane of some kind has got to be justified for the governor.
I wonder if it can land on their bridge to no where.
Can't Alaska do better than Murkowskies (I'm guessing that's the plural of Murkowski)
If Alaska can afford it and doesn't have a problem with it, I don't either.
Polls show him to be the nation's second-most-unpopular governor, topped only by Ohio Republican Gov. Robert Taft.
And it is not very fiscally conservative, even if the state is flush with money.
Hey, Alaska's Governor is just trying to 'keep up with the Richardsons'...
NM's governor had to have the state taxpayers buy him a big jet...
Not really useful for State business, but he will need it for his 2008 campaign for President (or VP)....
Looks like Ted Stevens will be getting some Federal money soon to build new runways.
I agree with you JRF, it is probably too expensive and elaborate, but a turbo prop makes for a looooong trip from Juneau to Point Barrow.
I'll betcha he could have had a head installed in the turboprop for about $25,000. Better yet, a funnel, a hose and a curtain for $50.
Alaska has $30 billion in savings, yet the entire US tax base has to pay for the bridge to nowhere?
That's some scary runway material. Can fault anyone for refusing to land on nonexistent runways.
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