Final arguments on Gessler ethics case expected

A state ethics panel is holding what could be the final hearing on whether Secretary of State Scott Gessler wrongfully used state funds to attend the Republican national convention.

Lawyers are presenting their case to the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission Friday. The left-leaning Colorado Ethics Watch filed the complaint against Gessler last year and Denver prosecutors are also investigating.

Gessler has maintained that he did nothing wrong and that the purpose of his travel was to attend a Republican panel on elections law in Tampa last summer during the convention. He says he used campaign funds for expenses at the political convention.

Gessler repaid the state $1,278 last month for travel expenses.