Call it the Nunez loophole

The state's political watchdog agency voted Thursday to close a loophole in state law that allows candidates and elected officials to spend campaign money without justifying expenses as political or job-related. San Francisco Chronicle.

Candidates and officeholders now can spend money donated by supporters and special interests on almost anything as long as the expense has a "political, governmental or legislative purpose."

Because the law does not require much detail about that spending, voters and taxpayers viewing campaign disclosure forms have no way to tell if listed expenses, such as a costly meal at a five-star restaurant or a weekend stay at a resort hotel, are appropriate.