Critics say Florida governor wasted almost half million on trip to Europe last year
One year ago this week, Florida Governor Charlie Crist was in Europe. The governor at the time said taxpayers would benefit by sending him to England, France, Spain and Russia. Supporters of the trade mission say it was a huge success because of the potential jobs and income it could generate in the state, but the operating word to that is "potential."
Critics say the trip was a big fat zero and just a waste of taxpayer money. Crist's office says fostering overseas business is even more important when the economy is hurting and has been "instrumental in keeping our state from greater distress." The governor and his wife -- who was then his fiancee -- stayed in luxury hotels. While business groups paid for their trip, it cost taxpayers $430,000. Part of the expense included $148,000 for nine bodyguards, a photographer and two other staffers. There was also a $650 cleaning bill. Critics say that is appropriate, because they say the trip took taxpayers to the cleaners.
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