LOS ANGELES (KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO)  -- LA politician Fabian Nunez suggests his race was behind criticism that he spent a lot of money taking trips and buying expensive things.
 
"Because of the fact I am Mexican," said Nunez, "they think I have to sleep under a cactus and eat from taco stands." 

An investigative report found Nunez spent more than $47,000 in plane fare, $5,000 at a wine cellar in France and nearly $3,000 for office expenses at Vuitton.

Hector Barajas of the GOP state party calls Nunez's racial comments disgraceful and disheartening.