Scott Gessler: Legislators ask state to take first step in potential spending audit

Steadman says it remains to be seen what the auditor could potentially uncover. "They could go in there and spend a little time digging and realize they are only looking at the tip of the iceberg."

Pat Steadman

He adds, "It would at least get to the issue of, did we really spend state money reimbursing partisan political campaigns?"

It's possible that the legislative committee could ultimately vote against an audit after it receives a memo. But that committee could have also declined to authorize research, too.

"We've consistently made this financial information public and we look forward to working with the auditor on their review," Andrew Cole, Gessler's spokesman, says in a statement -- echoing the response the Secretary of State has repeatedly given in regard to requests to investigate his spending.

Colorado Ethics Watch first discovered specifics on Gessler's reimbursements through an open records request.

"I hope we can get to the bottom of this," says Steadman.

Here's the original request.
Letter From Senator Tochtrop and Senator Steadman Re Audit Request 10-2012

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