Political Roundup: Expense Report Baller Edition
Monday, July 18, 2011 at 1:09PM
The presidential candidates have released their expense reports, and we've got the scoop on where they are spending their money.
Here's what our politicos are spending their Benjamins on:
-- Newt Gingrich is getting the most press coverage about his spending habits. The former House Speaker has spent more than $500,000 on privately chartered flights from Moby Dick Airways -- a company that provides "republican presidential travel."
Newt claims that he didn't realize how much money was being spent on private travel until his fundraisers quit -- and has since switched to commercial transportation. (Ouch!)
-- Tim Pawlenty might be the best GOP boss. The former governor of Minnesota has spent more than $580,000 on salaries -- a significantly higher percentage than other candidates.
-- Mitt Romney is spending more money than other candidates on administrative expenses, meaning lots of political consultants and security guards. He's also spent almost $750,000 on vendors in New Hampshire (the state he's hoping to win).
-- Ron Paul's campaign is going for broke on yummy food. They seem to love burgers, BBQ and farmers markets. Who knew he was a foodie?!
-- Michele Bachmann and President Obama are spending the majority of their money on fundraising. While Michele has spent nearly $700,000 on this end, the POTUS spent $5 million on fundraising (and hired some 150 campaign staffers).
Together, the candidates have spent $32 million already. Who knew they were all ballers?!
