In the near-year that Governor Paterson has been residing in the Executive Mansion, his expenditures for the place are up 14% compared with the amount spent over the same period by his predecessor Eliot Spitzer for maintenance, preservation and the day-to-day functioning of the mansion. Since Paterson has been there, his staff has spent just under $62,000 on equipment and furnishings such as furniture, linens and wine glasses. The News points out that the tally even included a $200 toaster. (But it's not any toaster, it browns four slices of bread at once.) The Post says that Paterson officials pointed out that most expenses came before the governor declared a budget crisis and ordered agencies to slash unnecessary spending. The governor came under fire in November when it was revealed that he purchased a $20,000 Turkish rug from a major campaign contributor of Spitzer's.