Atlanta Unfiltered

#10: Renewing your medical license …

A tip on making ends meet in a tough economy: Find ways to get someone else to pay your personal expenses.

That’s how U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey does it. In November, his campaign fund paid $400 to the State of Georgia Medical Board for “renewal fees.”

Dr. Gingrey, an obstetrician, hasn’t maintained a medical practice since 2002, the year he was elected to Congress, according to his profile on the Medical Board’s Web site. He still maintains staff privileges at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Gingrey, 67, had $1.4 million in his campaign bank account as of March 31. Since January 2009, campaign disclosures show he’s also shelled out for the following items:

• $2,078 for Christmas ornaments from the White House Gift Shop (plus another $385 for unspecified White House gifts)
• $1,200 for three book purchases from the Congressional Club
• $300 in dues for membership in the Marietta Kiwanis Club
• $175 in dues for membership in the Marietta Business Association
• $375 in dues for membership in the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce
• $110 in dues for membership in the Polk County Chamber of Commerce
• $300 in dues for membership in the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce
• $300 in dues for membership in the Rotary Club of Bartow
• $748 more for book purchases from the Congressional Club