http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060714/ap_ ... _apartment

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Watchdog groups criticize Texas Speaker



AUSTIN, Texas - Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick has a taxpayer-provided apartment right inside the state's domed Capitol, the nation's only residence in any statehouse. And he's not exactly scouring bargain basements to fix it up.

Lobbyists, business owners and a corporate foundation are among about 40 donors who have contributed more than $1 million to renovate the 2,000-square-foot apartment behind the House chamber.

In a letter to potential donors, Craddick and his wife, Nadine, say the renovation is a "gift to all Texans" that will let the speaker's residence "reflect the same attention to detail that is seen throughout the Capitol."

But watchdog groups say people and businesses that could benefit from future legislation should not pay to spruce up the taxpayer-provided home of the man who controls the destiny of proposed state laws.

"After the kind of scandals we've had in Washington, you have to question how appropriate his decision is to ask those who are seeking favors to help him fund the lavish renovations of his apartment," said Tom "Smitty" Smith, Texas director of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.