Senator Josh Hawley is under fire for his campaign’s extensive use of private jets as he seeks re-election in Missouri. Critics, including his Democratic opponent Lucas Kunce, are highlighting the stark contrast between Hawley’s past criticisms of private air travel and his current campaign practices.
Key Takeaways
- Hawley’s campaign spent over $132,000 on chartered flights from December to June.
- Kunce contrasts his own campaign style, traveling in a minivan with his family.
- The backlash comes as both candidates enter the final weeks of a heated Senate race.
Background
During his first Senate campaign in 2018, Hawley criticized his opponent, Claire McCaskill, for using a private jet, claiming, "I say, ‘Look, I’m driving everywhere, why don’t you drive?’ She can’t do it. She’s totally addicted to her luxury lifestyle." Fast forward six years, and Hawley finds himself in a similar situation, with his own use of private jets becoming a focal point of criticism.
Increased Jet Usage
Recent disclosures reveal that Hawley’s campaign has ramped up its use of chartered flights, spending more than $132,000 between mid-December and June. Notable expenses include:
- $23,000 on March 19
- $21,000 on February 6
This increase in private air travel has raised eyebrows, especially given Hawley’s previous stance against such practices.
Kunce’s Counterattack
Lucas Kunce, the Democratic challenger, has seized the opportunity to highlight Hawley’s hypocrisy. At a recent rally, Kunce stated, "Missouri’s flyover country for this guy," contrasting his own campaign style of traveling in a minivan with his wife and young son. Kunce’s campaign has circulated videos of Hawley boarding a Gulfstream IV SP, emphasizing the disconnect between Hawley’s rhetoric and actions.
Campaign Dynamics
As the race heats up, both candidates are ramping up their campaign strategies. Kunce has adopted a populist approach, fueled by millions in small-dollar donations, allowing him to compete effectively in television ad spending. Since the August primary, Kunce’s campaign has spent over $6 million on ads, while Hawley’s campaign has spent approximately $3.9 million, with an additional $1.9 million from an independent PAC supporting him.
The Final Stretch
With the election approaching, both candidates are intensifying their messaging. Hawley has portrayed Kunce as a radical on issues like immigration and LGBTQ rights, while Kunce has labeled Hawley as an out-of-touch elitist, dubbing him "Posh Josh."
Hawley’s campaign has also attempted to shift the narrative by demanding Kunce disclose his presidential election preferences, a tactic Kunce has resisted, arguing it distracts from local issues.
Conclusion
As the Missouri Senate race enters its final weeks, the spotlight remains on Hawley’s private jet usage and the contrasting campaign styles of both candidates. With public polls showing Hawley in the lead, the outcome will depend on how effectively Kunce can leverage this controversy to sway voters in his favor.
Sources
- Josh Hawley draws rebuke over use of private jets for Missouri Senate campaign • Missouri Independent, Missouri Independent.
- Josh Hawley busted over use of private jets for Missouri Senate campaign – Alternet.org, AlterNet.
- Josh Hawley draws rebuke over use of private jets | State News | komu.com, KOMU 8.
- Hawley draws rebuke about use of private jets for Senate campaign | Jefferson City News Tribune, Jefferson City News Tribune.
- Josh Hawley criticized over use of private jets for Missouri U.S. Senate campaign | KCUR – Kansas City news and NPR, KCUR.