The fund had nearly $80,000 at the start of the year, but it's down to under $5,000.
Senate President Stephen Sweeney spent $765 on cigars, $1,118 for dinner at a Washington restaurant and more than $10,000 for political meetings at southern New Jersey restaurants between January and September.TRENTON — Records show New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney has been spending an old campaign fund on cigars and steak dinners.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Thursday that Sweeney spent $765 on cigars, $1,118 for dinner at a Washington restaurant and more than $10,000 for political meetings at southern New Jersey restaurants between January and September.
The money came from his Gloucester County freeholder re-election fund. But Sweeney stepped down from the freeholder board in December.
New Jersey election law allows former candidates to keep their accounts open, but to do so they have to continue to report on their financial activity, as Sweeney has done. Permissible spending includes contributions to other candidates and charities, and administrative and campaign expenses.
In his report, Sweeney categorized all his meals as political meetings, which are allowable uses of campaign money.
The state Election Law Enforcement Commission does not comment on specific cases.
Sweeney told the newspaper he'll be shutting down the account later this year.
The fund had nearly $80,000 at the start of the year, but it's down to under $5,000. Sweeney said he would donate whatever is left to another candidate or charity.
Sweeney has also used money from the account to pay for polling and to contribute to the Gloucester County Democratic Committee and to some Democratic candidates.