REPORT: Dem Rep splurged nearly $13K on oysters, luxury trips, as residents hit with historic flooding [Meet her GOP challenger]

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From the New York Post: While residents of western Connecticut were cleaning up from deadly floods this past August, Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes slurped down oysters, pampered herself at a pricey salon and traveled to Martha’s Vineyard and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago — spending nearly $13,000 in the process, Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings show.

The three-term incumbent flew to the Windy City just as her home state was hit with a severe storm on Sunday, Aug. 18, which caused more than $206 million in damages to bridges, roads, businesses and homes due to flooding, mudslides and landslides.

More than 100 residents were evacuated, and at least two elderly women died when they were swept away by floodwaters.

Meanwhile, Hayes was living it up nearly 900 miles away, as her campaign forked over $6,384.91 for her to stay at the Sheraton Grand in downtown Chicago, per third quarter FEC filings.

In a video posted to Facebook on August 21, Hayes wrote, “I have spent the last several days working hard with key stakeholders and local leaders like Mayor Roberto Alves to secure Presidential approval to bring FEMA assistance to the Fifth District.”

But then, the New York Post reveals that Hayes escaped to Martha’s Vineyard “for a luxury getaway at Edgartown’s only waterfront resort, the Harborside Inn.”  The report lists the following expenditures, according to FEC filings:

  • $2,161.10 – lodging at Harborside Inn
  • $   621.53 – ‘fundraiser’ at 19 Raw Oyster Bar
  • $   214.68 – ‘campaign meeting’ Alchemy Bar & Bistro
  • $   909.07 – dining expenses at Faraway hotel
  • $1,635.45 – car rental

“All told, the Sept. 9 credit card payment, which included all expenses incurred since the flood hit, amounted to $12,876.74,” the New York Post reported.

When Hayes posted photos of her trip to Chicago in August, she was lambasted on social media.

JT Lewis wrote, “Your district (850 miles away from where you are right now) is totally flooded after a massive storm. But enjoy your time I guess…”

Hayes is running for re-election, and is facing a close race with her Republican challenger, former state senator George Logan.

Logan posted the following video ad on Tuesday, and wrote, “We can flip this seat and bring the change our district and America desperately need — safer neighborhoods and a real chance at the American Dream.”

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