Colorado's Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler has reimbursed the state for travel last August to the Republican National Lawyers Association event in Sarasota, Fla. and the Republican National Convention in Tampa.
Gessler originally allowed taxpayers to pick up the tab for the trip. Later, he came under criticism from some for using public funds to pay for a partisan event.
This week, Gessler sent a check for $1,278 to the state treasury to cover the cost of the trip. Also this week, Gessler registered to be one of the Republicans to run against Governor John Hickenlooper in 2014.
Colorado Ethics Watch asked the commission last October to investigate whether Gessler improperly used state funds. The commission has a June 7 hearing scheduled on the Gessler complaint.
"To me, there's not much left if he's already paid back the money," Luis Toro, director of Colorado Ethics Watch told the Denver Post, adding it's up to the commission to decide.
A investigation is also pending by the Denver district attorney. Earlier this year, state lawmakers dismissed a proposal to issue an audit into Gessler's spending.
