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Hawley, Republicans criticize McCaskill for use of plane

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s Democratic U.S. Senator is facing criticism from Republicans for the use of a private plane.

Claire McCaskill was travelling through the Show-Me State visiting veterans in an RV road trip where she took some flights on her husband’s company’s propeller plane during the three-day tour. Republicans have criticized move as “phony” and called her “out of touch.”

“Senator Claire McCaskill of the GREAT State of Missouri flew around in a luxurious private jet during her RV tour of the state. RV’s are not for her. People are really upset, so phony! Josh Hawley should win big, and has my full endorsement,” President Donald Trump tweeted.

McCaskill is facing a tough re-election bid this fall. The crowded field has more than 20 candidates between four parties but is expected to be a showdown between McCaskill and Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley.

In a campaign email, Hawley called McCaskill “out of touch” and said that Trump knows she “does not represent us.” Hawley’s campaign has already created an ad attacking the use of the private plane.

“Paying on my own dime to visit more Missouri veterans is not something I’m going to apologize for,” McCaskill said.

According to a statement by Meira Bernstein, McCaskill’s spokeswoman, the Senator only flew to where she stayed overnight to allow for an additional stop on the tour. She said no campaign funds or taxpayers dollars were used for the plane.