(05-06) 14:37 PDT Sacramento, CA (AP) --

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

San Francisco Chronicle   

California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez is leading a delegation of lawmakers to Mexico, a week before he gives up his leadership post.

The Los Angeles Democrat was invited by Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

Nunez described the four-day trip as a working visit to strengthen ties with California's most important trading partner.

He is scheduled to meet with Calderon, business leaders and Mexico's top education and health officials.

Last year, Nunez was criticized for spending about $70,000 from his campaign account to pay for luxury goods and meals at high-end restaurants while traveling abroad.

He told reporters during a news conference on Tuesday that he was paying for the Mexico trip with campaign money. In his own words, he said, "If there's criticism, bring it on."

Nunez is termed out of office at the end of the year.

Republican state Sen. Abel Maldonado and Assembly Democrats Joe Coto and Kevin DeLeon also are traveling to Mexico. They leave Wednesday and return Saturday.

Nunez:   "Ok, so I like to drink fine wine...and I enjoy 5 star hotels...don't you stay in 5 star hotels when you travel?"    Oh, yeah, Fabian, all the time.  (sarc)       

""Nunez described the four-day trip as a working visit to strengthen ties with California's most important trading partner""

Say what?  Do you mean the country that sells us the most and takes most of our jobs while sending the most public benfit sucking illegals back in return?  O yeah thats what I thought you ment Nunez.  Another dual citizen huh.  Thanks for the three way cluster there buddy.