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Taxpayers take security bill for Bush's campaign visit

Story by Kendall Jones (Contact)

Originally published 09:02 p.m., September 15, 2008
Updated 02:20 p.m., September 16, 2008

She's one heck of a pinch hitter.

In place of her husband, First Lady Laura Bush is coming to Topeka Tuesday for a private campaign event for 2nd Congressional District Republican Candidate Lynn Jenkins.

"She's done a great job serving as first lady," said campaign spokesman Josh Hersh. "It'll be good to have her back."

President Bush was originally scheduled to attend the event, but the devastation of Hurricane Ike sent him to Texas and his wife, here.

With that visit comes protection from local police and, even though many Topekans won't get to see her, you're paying for some of her security.

That fact that doesn't sit well with some Topekans.

"I think the campaign should pay for it," said Topekan Michael Shields. "We already pay enough taxes."

Jessica Hayes agreed.

"(It's) their campaign," Hayes said. "They should come up with the money."

Teresa Rincon differed slightly, saying the guests of honor should pay for their own security on their campaign visits.

"I think we're paying far enough as taxpayers," she said.

Hersh says it's not unusual for taxpayers to foot the bill for security when someone of such importance comes to town. But should the Jenkins campaign pay up to protect the first lady, instead of using taxpayer dollars?

"I think we want our dignitaries to be safe." Hersh said. "I think we agree that that's important to do."

When pressed for an answer, Hersh added that local law enforcement are often used to protect a public figure without reimbursement of taxpayer dollars.

"I think these events happen all over the country," Hersh said. "They've happened for years and they have a protocol that they use."

A protocol taxpayers say shouldn't be on their bill.

We tried to get an exact dollar amount for how much taxpayer money is being spent on security for the first lady's visit.

C.I.A. officials say for security reasons they couldn't not give us the answer, because they don't want the wrong people knowing how big their security operation is.