IPFS News Link • Politics: Democratic Campaigns
Secret Service won't pay Newport Beach for police at Obama event
• http://www.latimes.com, By Mike ReicherIt's the service that is responsible for the candidates' security, not the campaigns, said Max Milien, an agency spokesman. Any cost concerns should be directed to the agency.
Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff billed the campaigns of President Obama and presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney for police security at their separate fundraisers this year in the city.
Now that the Romney campaign paid its bill, the city is left in the awkward position of trying to collect from Obama.
"We cannot reimburse any agencies," Milien said. "We make that clear from Day 1."
In that case, Milien said, the Secret Service would seek help from other law enforcement groups — county or state police, for example, who would not charge for the service.
"There is adequate time if an agency cannot assist us and is strapped for manpower," he said, adding that the Secret Service does not have the budget for that type of expense.
Kiff says the Police Department did raise the issue with the Secret Service before the president's visit.