FORT COLLINS, Colo.—Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler is being criticized because he plans to attend a fundraiser to help the Larimer County Republican Party pay a fine imposed by his office.
Gessler spokesman Richard Coolidge says his participation in the Sept. 22 fundraiser is appropriate and aimed at helping local GOP officials relieve their frustration over paying “the largest fine ever imposed in our office’s history.”
The Fort Collins Coloradoan reported Friday () that Gessler will participate in a dunking booth at the fundraiser.
The Larimer County Republican Party was fined $15,700 for failing to file campaign finance reports in 2010.
Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio called Gessler’s involvement in the fundraiser “a gross conflict of interest.” Colorado Ethics Watch called on Gessler to cancel his participation in the event.
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Information from: Fort Collins Coloradoan,
