Chief Justice Tom Gray of Waco’s 10th Court of Appeals has drawn statewide notoriety for the frequency with which he disagrees with the two other judges on the court and the vitriolic nature of his dissents.

He is also getting attention from legal observers for some of the more unusual items he has reported tapping into his campaign coffers to buy, including the use of political contributions for his personal security, personal grooming, repeated staff “incentive” lunches and reimbursement for his wife for attending political events.

A review of Gray’s officeholder campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission for the past four years shows he has spent thousands of dollars in campaign funds for gasoline, unspecified “office supplies,” computer equipment, charitable donations and numerous “working dinners.”

The Tribune-Herald tried to contact Gray several times by phone the past three days at his courthouse office, on his cell phone and at his Crawford residence without a response.

Since 2004, Gray has at least eight entries for “personal safety” for which he spent campaign funds and one $350 entry in August 2004 to attend a “specialized gun safety-training course” in Corsicana.

Gray, a member of the 10th Court since 1999 and its chief justice since December 2003, noted on his application to the governor’s office for appointment to chief justice that he is certified to carry a concealed handgun.

McLennan County Courthouse security officers also have been informed that Gray carries a gun, officials have said.

The Texas Ethics Commission has not addressed whether political contributions can be used for personal protection, a commission spokesman said. Election laws prevent an officeholder from converting political contributions to personal use, he said.

More spending examples

Here are other examples for which Gray has spent campaign contributions over the years:

* Texas Department of Public Safety, personal protection, $70, Nov. 27, 2007.

* Cash America, Waco, personal protection, $173.20, Oct. 17, 2007.

* Texas Department of Public Safety, $25, personal protection, June 12, 2007.

* Andy Korn, Dallas, personal protection, $450, Jan. 10, 2007.

* Jesse’s Gun Shop, Corsicana, $178.61, personal security and related supplies, May 31, 2007.

* Barnes & Noble, Dallas, books about Clarence Thomas, $102.08, Oct. 24, 2007.

* Jesse’s Gun Shop, Corsicana, $487.94, personal security and related supplies, Dec. 2, 2005.

* Jesse’s Gun Shop, Corsicana, $122.27, personal security and related supplies, Dec. 28, 2005.

* Small Engine Repairs, Corsicana, repairs to parade vehicle, $739.30, March 11, 2006.

* Cash America Pawn of Waco, personal security for travel, $312.50, March 8, 2006.

* A total of $125 to his wife for reimbursement for events in Leon, Johnson, McLennan and Hill counties in July and September 2004.

* David Martin, Corsicana, to attend a specialized gun safety-training course, $350, Aug. 22, 2004.

* Praco Gun and Pawn, Waco, supplies to attend alternate type campaign event, $178.34, Aug. 17, 2004.

* Target, Waco, travel electric razor for campaign trips/events, $92, Nov. 4, 2004.

* Kenneth Vanek, Waco, donation to assist member of law enforcement community, $50, Oct. 20, 2004.

* Waco Army/Navy Surplus, Waco, supplies to attend alternate type campaign event, $56.07, Aug. 31, 2004.

* Baylor University School of Law, contribution to law school (token of appreciation for use of facility), $300, Oct. 16, 2004.

* Best Buy, Waco, phone system for campaign, $487.08, Sept. 6, 2004.

* Best Buy, Waco, phone system for campaign, $487.07, Sept. 25, 2004.

* Best Buy, Waco, phone system for campaign, $173.18, Sept. 26, 2004.

twitherspoon@wacotrib.com

757-5737