Now-former Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick renovated his cherished Capitol apartment -- spending all but $18.55 from a fund that once topped $1.3 million.
The Associated Press reports the final purchase order was issued hours before Craddick handed power over to Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio.
Straus got Craddick's leadership job -- plus keys to the 1,804-square-foot apartment behind the House chamber.
Private funds were used for the renovation.
Tom "Smitty" Smith with the watchdog group Public Citizen said the last-minute expenditures were inappropriate.
Craddick declined comment.
Craddick on Jan. 4 withdrew from the speaker's race.
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The next day, the Texas State Preservation Board approved an expenditure of $124,000 on the apartment.
Board director John Sneed said Craddick inquired about the balance in the account during the week of Jan. 5.
The Legislature convened Jan. 13.
