Patriot Update

Mayor Thomas M. Menino shrugged off the six-figure security bill that taxpayers are footing for President Obama’s fundraising trip to Boston, saying he’s happy to help out, but government watchdogs said presidential campaigns should be on the hook for the public costs they run up.

“Look at the resources he has given this city over the last four years — money to put people to work, construction jobs, Race to the Top money,” Menino told the Herald yesterday. “If it’s a little benefit to him, I’m all for it. … If the president of the United States wants to come here next week, I’ll take him back next week.”

Obama’s entourage left town yesterday after a series of fundraisers Monday in Boston and Weston, with a stumping trip in Durham, N.H. Boston officials said it would take “several days” to determine the exact cost of hosting Obama.