I guess it’s always good to be reminded in these politically polarized times that politicos of any party can be venal, corrupt assholes.
Today’s reminder was the revelation of how California State Assembly Speaker Fabien Nunez has been abusing his political warchest. A contribution-built fund that’s to be used for campaigning and state business, it has become, evidently, Nunez’ private wish-fulfillment account!
Let’s just look at a few of the expenditures, shall we?
$8, 745 at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona, Spain;
$5, 149 for a “meeting” at Cave L’Avant Garde, a wine seller in France’s Bordeaux region;
$2, 562 for “office expenses” two years apart at Louis Vuitton, a Parisian store that specializes in leather goods, clothing, fashion accessories and jewelry; and
$1, 795 for another “meeting” at Le Grand Colbert, a Parisian restaurant.
$1, 715 at Asia de Cuba, a West Hollywood restaurant;
$2, 428 for a meeting at 58 Degrees and Holding, a Sacramento restaurant;
And on and on. This fund is built largely from organizational giving (such as unions and professional organizations) and contributions from Democratic sucker citizens, like me.
You know who I’m mad at? The California Democratic Party. They’re not getting another red (okay, pink) cent from me until they tie strings to any future monies they give crooks like this, forcing them to use the money properly or not take it.
You may have heard my erudite comments of righteous indignation on “Air Talk” this morning on KCRW-FM.