Rehnquist’s Flight on Corporate Jet Raises Questions

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist took a utility’s corporate jet to Ohio on Saturday so he could speak at the dedication of the state’s new court building in Columbus.

American Electric Power flew Rehnquist at the request of the Ohio Supreme Court, which plans to pay for the $3,800 flight, said AEP spokesman Pat Hemlepp.

Security issues and Rehnquist’s knee problem made a commercial flight impractical, said Ohio Supreme Court spokesman Chris Davey.

“We are hoping to save a little money because AEP has agreed to do it at cost,” Davey told The Blade newspaper, which reported the story Friday. “This is not a favor.”

But the propriety of the flight was being questioned by a watchdog group, Ohio Citizen Action, because AEP is being sued by the Environmental Protection Agency and Justice Department for allegedly violating the Clear Air Act. The case could reach the Supreme Court.

“Clearly, this is a favor,” said Catherine Turcer, a campaign reform activist for Ohio Citizen Action. “All businesses, including AEP, have things they need or want from the courts.”

U.S. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said Rehnquist had nothing to do with the flight arrangements, which were made by the inviting organization.

Rehnquist, 79, delivered a 15-minute speech during the dedication ceremony, providing biographies of the three Ohioans who have served as chief justice of the nation’s highest court.

Recently, other members of the court have been involved in allegations of conflicts of interest.