Did Thompson misuse tax money on book?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Did State Senator Antoine Thompson abuse taxpayer dollars?

Thompson says it's an effective way to communicate with residents of his Senate district. His critics say it's campaign tool. What are we talking about here? A book - a lengthy book. Democratic Senator Antoine Thompson put out a book called the 2010 State of the 60th Senatorial District.

Sen. George Maziarz said, "It's wrong, and it's outrageous."

The 100 page book includes photos of Thompson, in color, and chronicles his legislative accomplishments. Who paid for it? You did.

>>>You can view the book here

"I've never seen anything like this by any member of the Legislature, Assembly or Senate," said Sen. Maziarz.

Republican State Senator George Maziarz questions the cost and timing of the book since Thompson is running for re-election. Thompson's Republican opponent, Mark Grisanti, is also critical of the book.

Grisanti said, "I'm asking him to reimburse the taxpayers of western New York. This is New York state taxpayer money that he's used to produce this book."

We tried reaching Thompson by phone, and stopped by his campaign office in Buffalo. A campaign worker told us, "No he's not [here]. He's out in the district. I have no idea [where he is]."

Sen. Maziarz said, "There is no explanation. I'm sure he's probably not going to go live on camera about it."

Maziarz is correct; Thompson declined an on-camera opportunity. Instead, he released a statement, saying, "The purpose of the report is to chronicle legislation and initiatives we've accomplished. It cost $12,000 to produce in-house," he says, "and brings transparency and accountability to government."

But Sen. Maziarz, for one, is convinced the book is a campaign re-election piece.

"This could possibly be a violation of the law. I mean, you're using public money for re-election, for campaign expenses," said Sen. Maziarz.

Thompson says the book was initially available March 15th on his website, and that 2,500 hard copies were made available to constituents.