Farmer spends state money during tournament

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie
Farmer spent four nights at a $359-a-night suite in Lexington at
state expense while promoting an agriculture program at the Sweet
Sixteen boys' basketball tournament.
Farmer spent $1,576 in state money last month, much of it for
his stay at the Lexington Downtown Hilton, while promoting the
Kentucky Proud program, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Farmer lives 28 miles from Rupp Arena, where the tournament was
played.
The Republican is running for lieutenant governor on a ticket
with gubernatorial candidate David Williams.
Farmer spokesman Bill Clary said it was more efficient for
Farmer to stay at the hotel. He said Farmer spends "an enormous
amount of time" promoting the Kentucky Proud program at the
tournament.
State Democratic Party Chairman Dan Logsdon calls the expenses
"outrageous."
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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader,
http://www.kentucky.com