In the confusion and mayhem of Microsoft’s Crowdstrike software meltdown, U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Southeast Tennessee, was stuck.
Flights had been canceled, more than 3,400 into, out of or within the country, according to flightaware.com, and with obligations set up for Saturday, the congressman had to find a way to Tennessee. Stranded at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport after the Republican National Convention, Fleischmann huddled with other wayward Tennesseans to pitch in for a cab ride home at a collective cost of $2,900.
“The airline he was booked on told him his flight was canceled and he was not eligible for a refund,” said Fleischmann spokesperson Justin Doil by text Saturday.
Fleischmann did receive a credit with the airline, Doil added.
Fleischmann and his wife chipped in $600 for their share of the ride, and having just attended the convention as delegates, tapped campaign funds for the van ride.
Doil said the expense will appear on the next campaign statement of disbursement in three months.
Contact William D’Urso at wdurso@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6125.