Do the US taxpayers usually pay for campaign buses?

[hypocritexposer]

Now I understand the need to protect the President while he travels, but this seems more like a campaign that he is on, and not just a speaking tour.

If it is a speaking tour, then why not just use the caddy? Why is there such a large entourage? Is the campaign manager taking a seat on the bus?

Secret Service using new $1.1 million buses for Obama Midwest trip

By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, August 15, 3:45 PM

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is traveling the Midwest on a new $1.1 million bus purchased by the Secret Service, an impenetrable-looking conveyance the size of a cross-country Greyhound, painted all in black, with dark tinted windows and flashing red and blue lights.

Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan emphasized that the bus wasn’t purchased solely for the president and would be used for other dignitaries in the future. He said the agency has not previously had buses in its fleet and was overdue to get some since it’s had to protect politicians traveling by bus for decades.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/secret-service-purchased-new-11-million-buses-for-obama-midwest-trip/2011/08/15/gIQA85EXHJ_story.html