GOP, state auditor wrestle over receipts

State Republican party officials are taking shots at DFL Auditor Rebecca Otto, for some of the travel expenses she reported in 2007 and 2008.

After an extensive examination of data requested from Otto's office, GOP Chairman Tony Sutton held a news conference today to show off hotel and meal receipts that he described as lavish and inappropriate. Sutton said Otto attended four conferences and spent a total of $2172.56 for eight nights of lodging. Her meal receipts ranged from $24.90 to $44.52

"I'm not saying you shouldn't go on trips," Sutton said. "But when you go, you might want to be a little frugal, especially in light when back home we're facing billions of dollars in budget deficits.

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Sutton said Otto routinely exceeded the state maximum reimbursement on meals. He says the auditor owes an apology to taxpayers.

Otto countered by accusing Republicans of conducting a fishing expedition. She also poked a significant hole in the GOP claims about her meals. Otto said no matter how much she spent on any given meal, her reimbursement was never more than the state maximum of $31. She said she stayed in the same hotels where the conferences were held, and paid conference rates.

"Tony Sutton has had a problem with numbers for a while," Otto said. They're trying to create a story."

Otto is running for re-election against Republican Pat Anderson, who she defeated in 2006. Sutton worked for Anderson during her term as auditor.