AP: Speaker Spent Freely in Last Days in Office

Craddick renovated Capitol apartment

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.

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.

Copyright The Associated Press
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