Whereas residents of western Connecticut had been cleansing up from lethal floods this previous August, Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes slurped down oysters, pampered herself at a dear salon and traveled to Martha’s Winery and the Democratic Nationwide Conference in Chicago — spending almost $13,000 within the course of, Federal Election Fee (FEC) filings present.
The three-term incumbent flew to the Windy Metropolis simply as her house state was hit with a extreme storm on Sunday, Aug. 18, which brought about greater than $206 million in damages to bridges, roads, companies and houses as a result of flooding, mudslides and landslides.
Greater than 100 residents had been evacuated, and not less than two aged ladies died after they had been swept away by floodwaters.
In the meantime, Hayes was residing it up almost 900 miles away, as her marketing campaign forked over $6,384.91 for her to remain on the Sheraton Grand in downtown Chicago, per third quarter FEC filings.
“My coronary heart goes out to all the folks impacted, and I actually tried to work with all the native companies to make it possible for we obtained the aid that we might,” the congresswoman, 51, mentioned in a video posted to Fb Aug. 21.
“After I began to get the updates within the information, I attempted to schedule a flight to get again to Connecticut, however as there have been delays, cancellations, and flights had simply been booked,” she mentioned. “There was actually no option to do it.”
Not less than 21 flights had been made Aug. 19-21 between Chicago O’Hare Worldwide Airport and Bradley Worldwide Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn., in line with the air visitors database FlightStats.
The Republican American newspaper, primarily based in Hayes’ hometown of Waterbury, ran a survey in late August that discovered 67% of respondents mentioned the congresswoman ought to have returned to reply to the floods.
Simply 33% mentioned the transfer would have been “performative” and that aid funding had already been secured.
In the meantime, Hayes headed off to Martha’s Winery for a luxurious getaway at Edgartown’s solely waterfront resort, the Harborside Inn, for the value of $2,161.10.
Whereas there, the Democrat dined in type, racking up $621.53 for a fundraiser at 19 Uncooked Oyster Bar, the place a dozen oysters or clams prices $45 and a “bump of caviar” could be added for an additional $8.
A marketing campaign assembly on the Alchemy Bar and Bistro, the place a $69 Surf and Turf platter options filet medallions and butter-poached lobster, added one other $214.68 to Hayes’ invoice
The Hayes group shelled out one other $909.07 at Faraway, a lodge with an array of eating choices — together with the outside Pelican Membership that serves sashimi and “mouth-watering” ceviche.
The Harborside and Faraway had been listed as journey bills within the FEC filings.
Hayes paid a further $1,635.45 for automotive rental on the nine-mile-long island.
Again in Connecticut, the marketing campaign spent extra money for printing providers, provides, and gasoline — in addition to a $950 day on the Pizazz Salon and Boutique in West Haven.
All informed, the Sept. 9 bank card fee, which included all bills incurred because the flood hit, amounted to $12,876.74.
Hayes posted a number of instances to social media and issued press releases on the emergency response to the flash flood — however hosted simply one Aug. 23 briefing with federal, state and native officers to evaluate the storm harm.
Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont requested greater than $300 million in federal catastrophe aid, and Hayes and the state’s congressional delegation wrote a letter to President Biden asking for a proper catastrophe declaration, which was accepted Sept. 20.
It’s unclear on which dates the Martha’s Winery journey and salon outing occurred.
Hayes is anticipated to face an in depth re-election race in Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District in opposition to Republican rebel and former state Sen. George Logan. The nonpartisan Cook dinner Political Report presently charges the competition as “lean Democrat.”
“It takes braveness to choke down $8 oysters in Martha’s Winery with millionaire donors whereas Jahana’s constituents suffered,” Nationwide Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Savannah Viar mentioned in an announcement.
Hayes was one among many Home Democrats who lined for Biden’s cognitive decline — even after his disastrous June 27 debate efficiency in opposition to former President Donald Trump.
“I’m not a medical physician,” she mentioned when pressed by a GOP tracker in regards to the 81-year-old commander in chief’s psychological health.
Biden had already proven his cognitive impairment, nevertheless, at a Rose Backyard occasion that Hayes attended in April 2023.
“Thanks for the members of Congress right here at the moment, together with two excellent educating congresswomen,” the president mentioned, earlier than inaccurately referring to her as “Jonah Hayes.”
“And by the best way, Jonah Hayes is — Jonah, the place are you? There you’re, Jonah, proper in entrance of me. … Rise up, Jonah!” he added, praising her honor 2016 Nationwide Trainer of the Yr.
Reps for the Hayes marketing campaign didn’t reply to a request for remark.