ALBANY-- In the wake of increased scrutiny over Gov. David Paterson use of campaign funds to pay for hotels and other luxuries, reform advocates Friday sent a letter to Paterson and legislative leaders urging them to ban personal use of campaign contributions.

"The most effective way to counter the growing public cynicism about Albany is to act by strengthening the state's ethical standards," said the letter signed by the New York Public Interest Research Group the League of Women Voters, Citizens Union, and Common Cause.

The groups also released a report that showed 30 states have stronger campaign-finance laws than New York.

New York lawmakers have long been criticized for using campaign contributions for any number of expenses, such as automobile leases, clothing, phone bills, trips and hotel stays.

When Paterson succeeded disgraced Gov. Eliot Spitzer last week, his campaign contributions were scrutinized after he revealed he had extramarital affairs and may have used campaign funds for the trysts. Records also showed Paterson spent campaign contributions on gifts at Tiffany's and Bloomingdale's, as well as on designer suits.

Paterson ultimately paid back two nights of unexplained hotel stays in Manhattan and said the lavish gifts were for campaign workers.

Still, the incidents sparked a new focus on the long-held tradition of lawmakers using campaign funds for purposes other than directly for their re-election.

Advocates said Paterson's behavior isn't unique in Albany and that the blame lies more with poor regulations on how to spend campaign funds than individual politicians. The good-government groups called on lawmakers to support bills that would restrict or ban use of campaign funds for personal use.

The "constant drumbeat" of stories arising about politicians abusing their campaign donations "cries out for action," said Blair Horner, legislative director of the New York Public Interest Research Group.

A bill proposed by Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Latham, Albany County, would ban using campaign funds for personal use. Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, and Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Brooklyn, have both introduced bills that would limit politicians' ability to use their campaign donations for personal use.

Senate of Assembly leaders, who were in budget negotiations Friday, had no immediate comment.