The AP over the weekend released an extensive analysis of Gov. Blagojevich's frequent use of the state airplane to fly between Chicago and Springfield. According to tax experts that the AP interviewed, many of his flights could be classified as personal trips and therefore could be a taxable fringe benefit. His tax bill could be as high as $60,000. And the state could be fined more than $40,000 for not reporting the travel.
The AP analysis of nearly 1,000 flights by the governor, his family and guests found personal travel that could be considered extra income of at least $225,000, based on the cost of hiring private planes. It found nearly 120 flights by the governor or family members that appear to have no business purpose. Another 150 flights were reimbursed but not at the IRS rate.
Maybe it's unlikely the IRS will follow up on the report. And maybe they'd buy the governor's contention that his official place of business is Chicago, even though most people might think that the state capital — it's in Springfield, governor — is the more plausible location for his HQ.
But the report sure highlights the governor's blind spot when it comes to his frequent flying. He just doesn't seem to see how his constant, expensive use of the plane, justified or not, undermines his claim to be a champion of the taxpayer.
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