Bruno: Pay my lawyers

ALBANY (AP) — The former leader of New York’s Senate, acquitted of federal fraud charges last week, said Monday he’ll ask the state to pay his legal bills.

Retired Sen. Joe Bruno said two trials and appeals cost him more than $4 million. He was accused of taking bribes to direct state grants to help a businessman and to advance his interests in thoroughbred racing.

State law authorizes reimbursement of “reasonable” attorneys’ fees for officials accused and acquitted of criminal wrongdoing while acting within the scope of their jobs or duties. Requests are reviewed by the attorney general’s office.

“I want what’s legally due me,” Bruno said. “And I don’t want to fight about it. I hope they don’t make this partisan or political.”