Gessler Backtracks, Won't Take Side Job
DENVER (AP) - Colorado's secretary of state says he's changed his mind and won't take a side job with his old law firm.
Republican Scott Gessler backtracked on his plans to work part-time for the firm known for litigating elections cases. Gessler said after taking office last month after that he'd continue working about 20 hours a month for Hackstaff Law Group because he said he couldn't get by on his $68,500 salary.
Gessler's side job was widely criticized as a potential conflict of interest because Gessler oversees elections. Gessler insisted he wouldn't handle matters that could come before him as a state official.
Gessler asked for a ruling on the question by Republican Attorney General John Suthers. Gessler hasn't said what Suthers' advice was, but announced Tuesday he's backing off the plan.
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