An audit of the Governor’s Office focuses primarily on transportation issues and how the Missouri law regarding the use of state vehicles is unclear and potentially conflicting.

State Auditor Susan Montee says a 2005 law allows for transportation and security for the Governor’s Office, but goes too far in that it also includes transportation for political purposes. Montee says that while the Constitution prohibits the use of public resources for political purposes, the 2005 statute appears to allow the use of state vehicles for political activities.

She insists she is not telling lawmakers what to do, but it suggesting the General Assembly could settle this conflict by revisiting the 2005 law and making clear the intent.

Download/Listen: State Auditor Susan Montee on Audit of Governor’s Office (33:00 MP3)

State Auditor Susan Montee has refused to audit records of Attorney General Jay Nixon’s use of a state car for personal and political purposes. The request had come from Office of Administration Director Michael Keathley. Montee says the Governor, himself, has to ask for the audit.

Keathley says the audit should be done to determine if Nixon’s reimbursement to the state of more than $47,000 is adequate.