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Some continue to call for tighter regulations, but they also are aware that lawmakers are not likely to embrace the idea and, that even if they did, there always seems to be a loophole. Much of the extravagance detailed in Nu ez’s spending report revolved around several overseas trips he has made in his three years. For example, Nu ez ventured to Europe earlier this year to study France’s high-speed rail system and preschool programs. He’s also gone to Germany and Denmark to look at their renewable-energy programs and to South America to examine global warming solutions. Many lawmakers make overseas trips under the auspices of state business, but it was the level of spending in Nu ez’s report that raised eyebrows. His long list of expenditures, first reported by the Los Angeles Times, also highlight the often blurred line between political activities and personal indulgence. The spending included $47,412 on United Lufthansa and Air France; $8,745 at the exclusive Hotel Arts in Barcelona, Spain; $5,149 for a meeting at Cave L’Avant Garden, a wine seller in France; $2,562 for two separate purchases at Louis Vuitton; and $1,795 at LeGrand Colbert, a Paris restaurant. Reports on the Secretary of State’s Web site show that Nu ez has $5.3 million in his Friends of Fabian Nu ez campaign account, even after spending $234,000 in the first six months of the year, and $474,000 last year. But it’s sometimes difficult without specific details – and Nu ez is so far declining to elaborate – to gauge how much of the spending, if any, is personal and how much is directly related to his leadership role. In his most recent campaign filing, Nu ez reports spending $8,337 at the Silverado Resort in Napa – possibly to cover costs at the Assembly Democrats’ spring retreat – $4,969 at Fresh Cut Florist & Gifts in Sacramento, and $798 at Goodie Tuchews, a Sacramento bakery. A spokeswoman for Nu ez said his expenditures were entirely legal. “Expenditures were properly disclosed,” said Beth Willon, “and described as required by law.” Nu ez told The Times his travel is “not only justified but necessary for the decisions I need to make on a daily basis.” Critics, however, said the expenditures are questionable, in part because they were made possible by large donations from special interests with business in front of the Legislature – including $290,000 from health insurers, just as the Legislature is considering health care reform. “Even if it’s all legitimate public business, following the letter of the law, he’s clearly enriching himself by flying around the world with special interest lobbyist money,” said Jamie Court, founder of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. “And every time he takes a step toward helping the industry, the connections become more apparent. “The real issue is how does this type of lavish living on his contributors’ credit cards affect the health care debate? He’s clearly living high on his contributors’ dime. Yet, he claims he’s for the people.” Legislators were loathe to criticize Nu ez’s spending habits; they either did not return calls or referred inquiries elsewhere. Coincidentally, Nu ez is among 30 legislators selected randomly to have their campaign finances audited by the Franchise Tax Board. Results are scheduled to be completed by February. The Fair Political Practices Commission, which regulates campaign finances, has never ruled against luxurious non-personal expenditures, said Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies. “It would be hard to enforce,” Stern said, “other than to say expenses could be the same as what you’d get from per diems you get from the state.” sharmon@cctimes.com (916) 441-2101160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Assembly Speaker Fabian Nu ez came under fire Friday after a report showed that the lawmaker – who has long fashioned himself a champion of the poor – has used thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to make lavish purchases. Trips to Europe, expensive dinners, extravagant hotel stays and $2,500 worth of gifts from luxury retailer Louis Vuitton in Paris have created a swirl of questions about the Los Angeles Democrat, who aside from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is arguably the Capitol’s most powerful elected official. “It gives the impression that power has gone to his head,” said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College. “Elected officials often grow very fond of their perks, but he’s done so in a very dramatic and visible way.” Nu ez took the brunt of the criticism Friday – though no one suggested he had done anything illegal – but government watchdogs also questioned what they consider to be lax campaign expenditure rules that allow lawmakers to use their campaign funds in ways that many would characterize as only loosely related to state business. read more