WASHINGTON, March 7 — Senator Barack Obama flew at least nine times on corporate jets last year, traveling to fund-raisers in New York and San Francisco, home to Chicago and to Rosa Parks's funeral in Detroit. Each time, he reimbursed the plane's owners at first-class rates, as Senate rules require.
But Mr. Obama, freshman Democrat from Illinois, felt queasy about this perk of Senate life, so he said he gave it up.
"This is an example where appearances matter," he said. "Very few of my constituents have a chance to travel on a corporate jet."
As the Senate looks at changes in lobbying laws this week after the Jack Abramoff scandal, a big fight will be over limiting lawmakers' use of corporate jets. Critics like Mr. Obama want an end to the practice, or at least substantial rate increases. Other lawmakers, in both parties, say travel on corporate planes is necessary in modern politics.
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