Government

Political Turbulence: Dem Senator Owes $280,000 in Unpaid Taxes for Private Plane

WASHINGTON (AP/The Blaze) — Sen. Claire McCaskill’s office said Wednesday she plans to sell her private plane and will pay $287,273 in four years of back taxes owed.

According to Politico, McCaskill also spent $76,000 from her Senate budget on trips on the aircraft over the past four years, prompting the senator to repay more than $88,000 — the cost of the trips plus pilots — to the U.S. Treasury.

The Missouri Democrat’s husband, Joe Shepard, incorporated Sunset Cove Associates LLC in 2002. The company owns an eight-seat, twin-engine plane which, according to records, McCaskill’s Senate office has paid to use 89 times out of taxpayer funds.

“I have convinced my husband to sell the damn plane,” McCaskill said on a conference call with reporters. “I will never set foot on the plane again.”

A spokeswoman for the senator’s office said McCaskill and her husband did not make any money by using Sunset Cove Associates to charter her flights. The most recent financial disclosure report on record, from 2006, shows that McCaskill valued her family’s stake in Sunset Cove as between $50,000 and $100,000 but reported making less than $200 profit from it.

“She has only paid for the use of her plane as required by the Senate rules, and there has been no profit to her or her family,” Speiser said. “She‘s glad there’s transparency — that’s why people can see this information.”

The use of chartered flights by lawmakers is common and, given demands on their time, can sometimes be an occupational requirement. But McCaskill’s use of a plane that is owned by a company her family holds a stake in is unusual. Senate rules do not specify whether senators can be reimbursed for use of a personal aircraft for official use, although staffers and senators are reimbursed when they use their cars for personal business.

McCaskill’s use of a family-owned plane, though, runs contrary to the image she often portrays to voters as a straight-talking woman of the people. In 2006 when she campaigned for the Senate she rode around the state in an RV. Additionally, she has urged her congressional colleagues in the past to be extra careful and to pay their taxes in full:

McCaskill, who is up for re-election in 2012, is likely to face a strong Republican challenge. On Monday, the National Republican Senatorial Campaign released an ad attacking “AirClaire” McCaskill on ethics.

Political Turbulence: Dem Senator Owes $280,000 in Unpaid Taxes for Private Plane

Her office said that what McCaskill paid Sunset Cove for her chartered air travel compared favorably to the prices of charter flight companies. McCaskill’s office paid an average of $900 a flight each time she flew on the Sunset Cove plane.

“Sen. McCaskill has been very careful flying on taxpayer dollars,” the spokesperson said.

Comments (186)

  • 5410amh
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:48pm

    Whatta ya know another liberal using our money for there personal use. There should be a new law that states that “any government official who uses taxpayer money for personal use must be lined up against the wall and shot immediately” How awsome would it be if we had a law like that.

    Report Post »  
  • HillaryJo
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:46pm

    Why isn‘t she a member of President Obama’s cabinet? Isn’t tax evasion a prerequisite?

    Report Post » HillaryJo  
  • Katayno
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:43pm

    Yikes!!!!! Not another one. We need a new LAW that no one runs for office if they are behind on their taxes.

    Report Post »  
    • Midwest Blonde
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:49pm

      Or we could just dock their pay 100% until the tax bill is paid in full, with interest and penalties.

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • AmericanWomanFirst
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:40pm

    A car and a driver…would that be like a screw and driver? Another poster child…Missouri welcome to your wake up call. You should be pissed. What are you waiting for? The audacity…rampant in your state or a state near you. You like being laughed at?

    Report Post » AmericanWomanFirst  
    • Contrarian51
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:19am

      We have Kansas City and St. Louis to overcome every election cycle. It‘s like trying to beat Charlie Rangel in his home district except we’re talking about roughly 8 million in those populations, so at least a couple million votes most of the time. It’s amazing we usually have at least one Republican senator and several representatives in the House, and get a Republican governor about half the time, too. We do our share, dear.

      Report Post »  
  • goldmankc
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:36pm

    i’ve followed claire bear from local politics on up, and she’s always been a sleaze. if memory serves me she got all used up in local politics so she moved on to the big time. always been a scandal around her.
    problem is once she gets das boot from the senate, she’ll do just like ike skelton and become a lobbyist.

    Report Post » goldmankc  
    • Dale
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:07pm

      I propose that it be illegal for a politician to become a lobbyist for a time period equal to their governmental service, (ie One-term representative = two years; Two-term senator = 12 years). Further, that Congress shall pass no law from which they, individually or collectively, are exempt. There are several others, however ending with removing Congress’ ability to approve their pay and benefits. People are upset that public service unions elect politicians whom they then negotiate with for their pay and benefits – who negotiates with Congress?

      Report Post » Dale  
    • Contrarian51
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:15am

      Seeing all these “I’m from Missouri” comments I was surprised I got as far down as yours before I saw someone reference McCaskill’s entire career of sleaze. redstate.com has most of it all in one place for those interested. Drug investigations, murdered ex-husbands, medicaid (nursing home – see husband) fraud while Claire was state auditor. It’s quite an impressive resume and that, more than being a first term senator, was why Obama quickly disqualified her as a possible V.P. candidate. Claire’s got a back ground that would make Michael Corleone go “Whoa, no way!”

      Report Post »  
  • Evileye
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:30pm

    What happened to the 100% penalty and 25% interest and jail time

    Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:28pm

    Obama will pick this person for next Tresury Secretary if anything happens to Timmy.

    Report Post »  
  • TumbleBumble
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:26pm

    Mz McCaskill is #1 on my list of who to unseat in 2012.

    Report Post » TumbleBumble  
  • MichiganPatriot
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:25pm

    The US Government is foul, there is very little honor left in our leadership, what do you expect. Democrats are the worst kind of person, they started the KKK back in the day why would you expect them to be honorable now. I have never seen an honest one never. Justice will prevail, all will be held accountable in the end. Watch and see. Pray for our Republic patriots we are indeed in dark times. We have a president who taught and praises Saul Alinsky’s book Rules for Radicals which is dedicated to Lucifer. If that doesn’t tell you who is false and who is not, nothing will. Wake up people the world is burning.

    Report Post » MichiganPatriot  
  • Cherynn
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:25pm

    lieing, cheating stealing, yep, shes a democrap

    Report Post » Cherynn  
  • conservative510
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:24pm

    Why is this not a crime punishable by jail time?! Guess we’ll have to ask Charlie Rangle.

    Report Post »  
  • sawbino
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:23pm

    What do you expect? The same old abuse of the tax paying citizens. When is it ever going to stop? How much more are we to tolerate? This s#&t has got to stop!

    Report Post » sawbino  
  • Tnredneck
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:23pm

    I think she ought to…….. Oh my. That dang Louis farrikkan is back on tv again. I am gonna have nightmares tonight…….. Now I don’t remember what I was going to say.

    Report Post »  
    • rchick
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 10:45pm

      Thanks for the laugh! God bless and sweet dreams!

      Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:22pm

    so she paid herself for flighing back and forth to work and the IRS caught her? I am guessing the IRS are the ones to have caught this or she would not be paying them back taxes ya know if we dont pay our taxes they tell us they will send us to jail..

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • Packer-dad
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:20pm

    I would have been jailed by now,but politicians see no jail,the most they get is a hand slap,something has to change.

    Report Post »  
  • rl
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:19pm

    She’s a Democrat, so it means nothing nor does she have to anything….. she’s a Democrat….

    Report Post » rl  
  • LockeStep
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:18pm

    Ooops!

    Report Post »  
  • hersey10
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:15pm

    I’d love to know who bought it and what favor he/she is now in line to get for bailing her out . I’d rather wake up in bed next to a corpse every morning than her .

    Report Post » hersey10  
  • AmericanStrega
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:12pm

    “I have convinced my husband to sell the damn plane,” McCaskill said on a conference call with reporters. “I will never set foot on the plane again.” Ya, blame your husband, idiot.

    Report Post »  
    • spirited
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:27pm

      What’s the “damn plane” got to do with $287,273 of unpaid taxes?

      >Besides selling it; to avoid jail.

      Report Post » spirited  
    • arx
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:20pm

      Jail? Silly…don’t you know politicians are above the law?

      Report Post » arx  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 9:49am

      Blame the husband, blame the plane…..how about looking in the mirror, senator.

      Report Post »  
    • SHOMESTATEJOE
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:38am

      She has done it before, blaming husbands,, she must go in 2012, have had enough of her double speak, goodbye already!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • simple thought
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:10pm

    she is toast, im from missouri, she lost when she refused to vote to repeal the health care bill,
    71%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% of missouri voted to not except or allow obamacare…….
    she dose not represent Missouri, she kiss obam,as ass , and in 2012 obama and clair can kiss Missouri’s ASS…….take it to the bank, i know of no-one who supports this woman, she’ll retire, watch and see…………she can not win agian……..wont happen………

    Report Post »  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:25pm

      I’m here in Columbia. I pray – yes I said pray – that you are right. With the univerisity this is liberal central. Crazy left.

      She was elected (without my vote) to REPRESENT us. Almost 3/4ths of Missourians said Hell No to obamacare. For any thinking rational person that is a pretty strong statement. How often do you get 71% of the vote on anything? Not enough for Queen Clair. She ignored us. She has to go.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:44pm

      Read you loud and clear! Your vote, 82dAirborne’s vote, and 71% of Missouri’s votes WILL NOT GO TO HER!

      Love it!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:48pm

      @82dAirborne ~
      Georgia is working on replacing Saxby Chambliss, too, and he’s a Republican! I voted for him twice — in the Primary and the Run-off. He has really enraged a bunch of Georgia conservatives!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 10:05pm

      82dairborne

      I am sure you and your Tea party friends can get her “Butt” out of office and out of her plane. Good Luck. We’ll be pulling for you.

      Report Post »  
    • chickenlittle
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 10:19pm

      Not as easy as it sounds… St. Louis/KC are the big get out paid democrat vote cities in MO… Those urban districts seem to turn all the elections around with the unions and the “urban freeloaders.”

      Report Post » chickenlittle  
    • lana720
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 11:00pm

      I hope you Missourians are right and can get her fat a$$ out in ‘12. I think she‘d like to have zippy’s baby, if that was possible. She’s fawned all over him and he is absolute poison for our country just as she is.

      Trying to look like the common man has her looking more like a fool.

      Report Post »  
  • SAYNOTOSOCIALISM
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:09pm

    Add one more to the mix…. big surprise

    Report Post » SAYNOTOSOCIALISM  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:09pm

    What you guys didnt get the memo as far as Lib Dems its do as I say not as I do. The rules dont apply to those with (D) next to their names.

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:41pm

      Yeah — Chicken Little pointed that out to me. You’re smarter than I am.

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:08pm

    So she paid her husband‘s corporation for flying her around on the taxpayers’ dollar, and that was not in violation of Senate Rules but she has to pay $287,273 for four years of back taxes owed.

    Isn’t that what the IRS considers “tax evasion?”

    Nothing here…

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:16pm

      So what happened with Maxine Waters? Is she still being investigated? Like Rangel?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • chickenlittle
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:32pm

      Come on Showtime… you’re smarter than that… it’s not tax evasion if you are promoting the progressive democratic party. Laws are for conservatives, silly.

      Report Post » chickenlittle  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:33pm

      Cheez, Rangel got censured. Don’t know what else.

      As for Maxine Waters, here’s a cutie:
      http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/03/17/second-ethics-lawyer-investigating-maxine-waters-o/

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:54pm

      How would you like to be the IRS agent assigned to her case? She would probably try to have him/her fired. Seems to be working pretty well for Maxine!

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:56pm

      @ Showtime
      So basically both Rangel and Waters have not paid back the taxpayers ,
      and yet the taxpayers are still paying them.
      I know these kind of things are common in 3rd world dictatorships, I’m sure the DC critters are proud that its reached our shores too

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • marine249
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 10:31pm

      waters, rangle , obama
      do we see a trend here

      Report Post »  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:10am

      Why wait – when Democrat Senator McCaskill has shown she is CORRUPT……!

      The people of Missouri should respectfully demand that McCaskill resign – or face a RECALL.

      That situation would be useful – anyway – leading into the 2012 elections.

      Report Post »  
  • chickenlittle
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:07pm

    Last quote:
    “Sen. McCaskill has been very careful flying on taxpayer dollars,” the spokesperson said.

    ______________

    I’m sure she was very careful… didn’t want to spill her drink while flying on back taxes.

    Report Post » chickenlittle  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:02am

      I wonder what Timmy the Tax Cheat think of this ?

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • Salamander
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 7:26am

      Reminds me of a GREAT, but now politically incorrect tale. It was about “Epaminodas and his Auntie” and how he very carefully stepped in EVERY pie! Sounds to me like Mc/Caskill “better watch how you step in them tax loopholes!” I LOVED THAT story!!!

      Report Post »  
  • run42k
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 8:57pm

    Is this a surprise? Notice the (D) next to her name?

    Report Post » run42k  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:04pm

      Atleast she didn’t park her plane in Rhode Island

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:13pm

      No suprise there; another Democrat who manages to get away without paying the same taxes they dump onto the rest of us, and nothing will get done to her by the Senate “Ethic committee” worth of any lasting lesson.

      If anyone else out of the government did such as this, the IRS and the courts would be down upon them like a ton of bricks and a battalion of 800 pound geurillas…so the hypocrisy is clearly defined once again for all to see and nothing will be done.

      Even if she does actually pay it, somehow I imagine she will get it back in spades via a deal at the table with a pork barrel project or ten.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:17pm

      She is from here – Columbia Mo. I am sorry. The Teaparty and Freedom Connector are gaining strength around here. With a little luck we won’t send her back to D.C. to wreak havoc on our country. She is among the slimiest human beings I have ever seen.

      I think it’s safe to say that MOST of Missouri sincerely apologize.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:18pm

      What about interest and penalties?

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:27pm

      Im just curious if I or anyone here did that would we have had a visit from the IRS kicking in our door, then walked out of our home in cuffs, now sitting in jail?

      Another member of the socialist party who got re-elected by the zombies and you know what she will get re-elected again! How many of you have use for a family owner plane like this? isnt it amazing that all these ppl in DC have access to private planes, must be nice to be rich. Must be nice to get elected to public office and increase your net worth while screwing the ppl! Kings and queens its all they all are and NOTHING is going to change as long as all these household name politicans are in office. Yea we the ppl did some damage Nov 2 ‘10 but that was to the weaker radicals in power. The ones with pull are still destroying this nation.

      Let this be a lesson that they all must go next election otherwise this cancer will continue on!

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • exdem
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:31pm

      McCaskill has a private plane?? She said on Chris Wallace’s show one time, that the government could save billions by not letting seniors on medicare have power wheelchairs! But she gets a plane?? These dims are such hypocrites. And cheating on her taxes!! Typical progressive morals.NONE!

       
    • JD Carp
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:47pm

      Corrupt thief! The D is the indicator. Many with an R are just as guilty and it’s out fault. Message to all, your gravy train is over! You work for us and you will pull your weight or get voted out next time around. You have wasted enough of my money and enough of my neighbor’s money. Do your job or “You’re fired!” The TEA party is NOT going away…

      Report Post » JD Carp  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:49pm

      Gee, my wifes employer made a mistake and underreported $6,000 on taxes a few years ago, the IRS hit us for the $340 we owed and $100 in penalty and interest. They did wave $50 in penalty after I asked for the Geithner deal (seriously).

      So if they are grubbing after a pitance from me, how did this escape their attention? Maybe because she does have a D after her name.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Creestof
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:49pm

      Hmmm…I thought they’d just write one of those rubber checks at their private bank their in Washington…they don’t seem to ever have to pay those back either.

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:55pm

      Jackwagon lying Dem…whats new?

      Report Post »  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:56pm

      “Political Turbulence” is what the Constitution of the United States of America is to the Democrat Ruling Class. If anyone thinks their tax returns are going to amount to anything of substance, he/she is an imbecile.

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 10:00pm

      If you did this as a private company you would go to jail. Do it as a politician and they reward your great performance with reelection. She must resign immediately. She is a crook just like Waters and Rangle.

      Report Post »  
    • ihveit
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 10:03pm

      arent democraps exempt from paying taxes? if this were me my family reunion would be visiting me in prision
      will

      Report Post »  
    • Dale
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 10:55pm

      @Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra

      I notice that they said she will pay back taxes. NO MENTION OF INTEREST AND PENALTY! I was ‘audited’ because my accountant made a small, unimportant error. They wanted penalty and interest, however, when we got things straightened out, I owed $.50 (that’s fifty cents). The IRS was not interested in collecting it.

      Report Post » Dale  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:11pm

      Yoo-hoo Missouri! You better wake up and get rid of this disreputable senator. She really is making your state look bad. She thinks that by saying she ‘won’t go on the plane ever again’ absolves her of any unethical behavior and all should be forgiven. Typical progressive response to when they are caught red-handed doing something wrong. Private citizens are punished for similar crimes while these politicians consistently get a pass. This has got to stop, and preventing this Missouri mistake from returning to the Senate is a step in the right direction.

      Report Post »  
    • arx
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:12pm

      What really burns me about this is that she is not hauled before the IRS, like every other regular joe would be, and made to pay penalties and interest, and threatened with jail. There are two classes of people now…those that make the law, and those that have to obey it. Very much like the times leading up to 1776…I guess the IRS should have hired 10,001 new auditors…the last one could have been assigned to the senator.

      Report Post » arx  
    • lylee
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:24pm

      She certainly seems sincerely sorry…… That she got caught.

      Report Post »  
    • jackrorabbit
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:34pm

      One more to boot out on good reason, now let’s hope that her constituants do exactly that!

      Report Post »  
    • nptden
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:52pm

      What else is new?..What does Pelosi owe?..When Dems get elected they think they are in ‘Camelot’. Ask Charlie Rangel?..It‘s in their ’genes’.

      Report Post » nptden  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:55pm

      Not only is she an elitest, but not very “GREEN” either. That jet has a pretty big carbon footprint.

      She belongs in a ZOO. Right behind the sign that says “HIPPO – crit”

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:18am

      LOL .. once again we see why Democrats don’t care about raising taxes … THEY DON’T PAY THEM! Unless of course they are caught!

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:05am

      ………
      They all get religion AFTER they’re caught.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 2:50am

      The National Socialist Party ..only spreads OPM (Other Peeps Money)

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • avenger
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:14am

      another lib caught with panties down….

      Report Post »  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:27am

      Is she married to Charlie “hide de money” Rangel?

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • obfuscatenot
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 7:43am

      Not only is she a Democrat- she was Missouri State Auditor. This woman KNOWS.

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 7:54am

      “The damn plane”? So now it‘s the plane’s fault! Do they ever take personal responsibility for their actions?!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Justus39
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:39am

      Another John Kerry moment. All the Democrats want to raise taxes and I can see why. They dont pay them!

      Report Post »  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:43am

      “Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill admitted Monday that she had failed to pay about $287,000 in back taxes and will sell a private plane that has created considerable controversy as she prepares to run for a second term in 2012.” Washington Post March 21, 2011

      Claire “Your walk does not match your talk” YOU SAID. If it doesn’t, don’t ever vote for me again.”
      Don’t worry Claire, I think many in Missouri will think the same way.
      Bye Bye Claire and King Obama-hama-mama.

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Uncle Sambo
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:47am

      The (D) stands for: (D)astardly (D)ishonest (D)umb (D)ink.
      In layman’s terms: (D)emocrat

      Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 11:01am

      D = Tax Evasion

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:11pm

      @AVENGER………….. “another lib caught with panties down”….

      Now that’s a mental image I do not want to dwell on……..YUKK

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • valricoslash
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 5:46pm

      I guess Nancy must have had the Air Fores jet tied up with her family trips.

      Report Post » valricoslash  

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