Scott Gessler Off The Hook For Audit

Colorado auditors will not investigate how Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler uses his discretionary fund. Gessler’s spending came into question after he was reimbursed $1,570 for travel to a Republican National Lawyers Association event in Sarasota, Fla. and then the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Lawmakers making up the legislative audit committee deadlocked (4-4) Tuesday on whether to proceed with a request to audit Gessler with Democrats in favor and Republicans against. Auditors told committee members that an audit would cost a minimum of $150,000 up to $175,000.

The state’s independent ethics commission is currently investigating Gessler for misuse of public funds. There is also a criminal investigation against Gessler by Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey's office.

Gessler says his use of the office's discretionary fund is in line with his predecessor's practices.