Details about this story

• Source: Syracuse Post-Standard
• Date: January 27, 2008
• URL: Read the story
• Bylines: John O'Brien
• Topics: Campaign Finance
• Data Types: Local Data
• Description/Excerpt: Fitzpatrick drew from a campaign fund built from $175,000 in contributions last year. The money came from lawyers, business interests and other constituents. But every year he's had almost no need to spend it, because he's had little or no opposition. He was elected to his fifth term in November. Fitzpatrick's campaign far outspent 8 other district attorneys' campaigns across the state on food and drink. No. 2 in the state was a DA who used his campaign money at five restaurants or bars in two years, according to campaign records. In interviews earlier this month and as recently as Tuesday, Fitzpatrick defended his practice. He said other DAs told him they spend the way he does, but he would not identify any. Until last month, Fitzpatrick's campaign did not publicly reveal the specifics of nearly all of the restaurant and bar expenses contrary to state election law. Details on the expenses weren't filed until The Post-Standard asked the county Board of Elections why his campaign never itemized them in his 16 years as district attorney.