Supporters of former acting-Governor Jane Swift are angry over Deval Patrick's use of the state police helicopter...
Jane Swift backers are flying into a rage because the former acting governor was put through the ringer over her use of a state police helicopter, while Gov. Deval Patrick seems to be getting a free ride on the same issue.“Any objective look at the two situations would show that when she took the helicopter there was a firestorm of criticism and that certainly hasn’t happened here,” said Swift spokesman Jason Kauppi. “Maybe she paved the way or maybe there’s another explanation.”
Swift was pilloried in the media, bashed by political opponents and brought up on ethics charges when she hopped a chopper home for Thanksgiving from Boston after an appearance at Logan International Airport in 2000. She was later cleared of any ethics violations for the helicopter ride.
Patrick has already used the chopper twice since taking office and has vowed to continue using the taxpayer-funded aircraft at will. The governor was shuttled from North Adams to Boston on Jan. 17 and flew round-trip from Boston to Hyannis last week.
Aides say Patrick’s trips were different than Swift’s infamous ride, but Republicans say his use - and new helicopter travel policy - should be equally questioned.
And he should be equally criticized.
