"Guv's allies fly high on state planes"

Chicago Business appears to "have it in" for G-Rod, reporting how some are taking advantage of cheap rates on State planes: "Gov. Rod Blagojevich is taking full advantage of a treasured Springfield perk, offering convenient, low-fare travel on state-owned airplanes to political backers. According to official records, Gov. Blagojevich has traveled to Carbondale with a labor leader and his former campaign chairman, to Mount Vernon, Champaign and Chicago with his chief fund-raiser and to Springfield with a friendly business leader ? a total of 20 trips with non-governmental employees during his 18 months in office. Predecessor George Ryan, by comparison, made seven such trips during his last 18 months as governor." The travelers paid for their tickets, just not as much as a commercial flight. Big deal.