/ KVUE News Team

06:41 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 21, 2006

By LEE MCGUIRE / KVUE News

House Speaker Tom Craddick has surpassed the $1 million mark for a renovation of the speaker's apartment in a corner of the State Capitol building.

It's not on any public tour, but the 2,000 square foot apartment has been a "home away from home" for speakers ever since the late 19th century. Ever since a special legislative session adjourned last month, Craddick and his wife have led a fundraising effort to renovate most of the apartment -- including a bedroom, guest room, living room, study and bathrooms.

As of June 20, the Craddicks had raised $1,072,875 for the project. Major donors include Oilman T. Boone Pickens ($250,000), AT&T ($250,000) and the chemical company Valhi ($100,000).

Political watchdog groups have decried the project as a monument to excess and special access. Tom "Smitty" Smith with Public Citizen calls it "Craddick's Castle," and says the donor list is a "who's who" of businesses and individuals seeking the Speaker's favor.

Alexis DeLee, a spokesperson for Speaker Craddick, says donors should not expect any special access for their money. She said most donors are people who are "interested in the restoration of the Capitol and historic places."