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John Morganelli: Bon Vivant

Campaign finance records show the DA likes to dine out.

 

Last year, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli raked in $87,874.37 from well-wishers, including people who work for him and lots of $250 checks from defense lawyers. Morganelli is sitting on a $130,000 mountain of cash. But don't worry. He made lots of contributions last year, too.

To himself.

Campaign finance records reveal that Morganelli donated $13,625.87 to himself last year, a year in which he wasn't running for anything. Thta's right. His campaign fund became his personal ATM machine.

So what did he do with all that dough? He blew $1,109.99 at Macy's, presumably to buy a few DA uniforms. He filled up his gas tank 15 times, spending at least $40 for his gas guzzler every time. But most amazing of all are the restaurants. Man, this is one skinny guy who loves to dine out. Check out his dining roster:

Krita's - twice.
Stefano's - 13 times.
Edge - three times.
River Grille - once.
Emeril's Chop House - twice. 
Perkins - once.
Apollo - five times.
Blue Grille - three times.
Porter's Pub - once. 
Starters - once.
Benner Street - once. 
Marblehead Chowder House - once. 
Larry Holmes - once.

That's 35 meals from John's donors in a nonelection year.

I confronted him about this at the courthouse ("Gimme a break" was his response), where Susan's Catering has even named a sandwich in his honor. It's called the Morganelli and is full of ham.

John, couldn't you blow your campaign money there even once? 

About this column: Bernie O'Hare is a Lehigh Valley native and lifelong troublemaker. The keeper of Lehigh Valley Ramblings -- one of this region's first blogs -- he spends most of his free time going to meetings, from Coplay to Hellertown. But his passion has always been Northampton County government, which he sues every now and then. He's also a title searcher.

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