[IH8Rice]

probably less than you local congressman

Remember when Congress got all up in the grilles of Detroit automaker chief executives for traveling to Washington in luxury courtesy of the companies private jets? It appears our lawmakers are less than perfect when it comes to sourcing their own cost-effective transportation, as Politico is reporting that at least 10 members of the House of Representatives have monthly vehicle leases that exceed $1,000 per month in taxpayer money.

But those leases, they're for specialized, bulletproof SUVs to keep our elected officials safe, right? Well, not so much. A little digging from Politico shows that members of Congress just don't know how to shop around. Of the top five lease prices listed, the most exorbitant monthly outlay at least appears to come with the best excuse. Missouri Democrat Emanuel Cleaver pays a reported $2,900 a month for a mobile office equipped with wifi and a wheelchair lift. Representative Cleaver justifies the hefty price tag by arguing that he uses the vehicle as his mobile office, foregoing the off-site office many other representatives have

Rep. Harry Teague (D-N.M.), reportedly worth more than $36 million dollars, pays $1,266 per month for a Chevrolet Malibu. That's right, folks, a Malibu. Not a bad vehicle by any stretch, but $1,266 per month? Really? Other high lease offenders include Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), who rides in a $1,259 per month hybrid Toyota Highlander, Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.), who trolls the St. Louis streets in $1,059 a month Ford Escape hybrid and Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) with his $1,026 per month Mercury Mariner hybrid. Not to be left out, Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas) apparently also spends $1,143 every month for an unspecified leased vehicle, and multimillionaire Rep. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) leases a Lexus RX400h for $843 taxpayer-funded dollars a month, reportedly arguing that he needs the vehicle's bigger accomodations because he's over six-feet tall and has to make an hourlong commute twice a week.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0310/34391.html

thanks for helping out the auto industry!

 

[kidwoo]

Millionaire rentin a malibu.


I can hear the poontang swoonin'

 

[jonKranked]

Millionaire rentin a malibu.


I can hear the poontang swoonin'

 

[IH8Rice]

i guess they thought a flashy car might stand out....$1300/month Malibu's dont stand out

 

[4xBoy]

$1300 for a Malibu maybe they added a set of 22s in on the lease so he be riding in style.

 

[eaterofdog]

Sounds like somebody getting a kickback.

 

[kidwoo]

Just found out how GSA works (the agency typically in charge of goverment purchasing/leasing).

"Leased" gsa automobiles come with Gas and all repairs and maintenence covered. Yes, seriously. Kind of blew me away too. I asked how much someone I know paid for his work lease and he told me a number that sounded way too high (like these). Then he explained what's included.