Pure Iron

simmons Jannace

According to state election law, a legitimate expense is anything related to "a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position." This language allows candidates to charge what many would see as personal expenses, such as funeral flowers, Spanish lessons and charitable donations.

"It's such a misuse of the idea of campaign contributions," said Lisa Tyson, director of the Massapequa-based Long Island Progressive Coalition, a grassroots advocacy group. "I can't believe that it's legal."

Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto attends every wake of every person related to a town employee. He says it's a function of his office. That's why