Flying With General Public Can Be A Logistical Nightmare

"Oh boy, I'd love a plane," Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo says.

Like other less-than-well-known presidential candidates, Tancredo has to get to his campaign events by flying commercially. The more popular candidates get to fly in corporate or charter jets, according to the Associated Press.

"It can be very challenging," Tancredo said. "Just from a logistical standpoint it's a nightmare."

Candidate Joe Biden, a Delaware senator, knows of what Tancredo speaks. He has had to cancel events in Iowa after bad weather forced him to change his flight plan at least twice.

"My regret (with fundraising) has nothing to do with whether I can compete in Iowa or other states," Biden said. "My regret is whether or not I can spend 20 grand to fly back and forth to Iowa in a roundtrip of four hours instead of 12 hours."

University of Iowa political science professor Peverill Squire says flying with the general public puts struggling candidates at a disadvantage.

"It just makes it that much more difficult," Squire said. "It means they'll probably be in fewer places than the top-tier candidates, and the physical toll it takes to fly commercially these days can't be discounted."

"My campaign manager sent out an e-mail solicitation asking for supplies -- chairs, desks, computers," Tancredo said. "I told her I want her to send out another one. 'Please we'd like to buy an airplane.'"

Some candidates are fortunate enough to get to walk on both sides. Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd frequently flies commercially to save money but will charter a jet if time is a consideration for key congressional votes, spokeswoman Taylor West said.

"It's really difficult," said Republican candidate Sam Brownback, a Kansas senator. "It's just not easy at all."

FMI: www.teamtancredo.com, www.joebiden.com, www.chrisdodd.com, www.brownback.com