DENVER (AP) – Colorado’s Independent Ethics Commission will investigate whether Secretary of State Scott Gessler wrongfully used state money to travel to a Republican election law training event and the Republican National Convention in Tampa in August.

Gessler’s office responded to the announcement of the review Monday by saying, “We welcome a thorough review.”

Colorado Ethics Watch filed a complaint last month against Gessler that alleged he misappropriated public funds because he was reimbursed for attending political events.

Independent Ethics Commission Jane Feldman says the amount of money in question is $1,570.51. She says Gessler could be fined up to double that amount if he is found to have violated rules.

Gessler has a month to respond to the complaint. Feldman says she expects the case to be resolved sometime next spring.

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