Will He Bring A Date?

You’ve probably heard that President Bill Clinton has been invited to attend the November grand opening at the new Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.

He hasn’t given an answer yet, but officials are busy raising money in case the White House says yes.

And they have to be busy because the president’s attendance would add an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 to the cost of the festivities, we’re told. That includes the expense of building a stage for the prez as well as risers and platforms for the press, setting up a sound system, hiring extra security and pitching a huge tent.

Asked whether Clinton would still be welcome if he’s no longer president or whether the invitation would then go to Al Gore, who, presumably, would be president, airport spokesman Scott Van Laningham laughed a bit nervously.

“We would anticipate that [Clinton] would still be president and that would not be an issue.”

The entire congressional delegation will also be invited to the November event, the date of which remains flexible until an answer is forthcoming from the White House.

A second celebration is planned for 1999 inside the new terminal building.