Schweich's office plans audit of Kinder's travel reimbursements
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Schweich's office plans audit of Kinder's travel reimbursements

Date: April 28, 2011
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
The office of Missouri's Republican auditor is looking into whether the Republican lieutenant governor is paying the state back the right amount for travel costs.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The announcement comes with a catch -- Auditor Tom Schweich has recused himself.

That's because Schweich got two campaign checks totalling nearly a quarter-million dollars from Kinder a year ago.

Instead, Deputy Auditor Harry Otto will take the lead.

Kinder has said he'll pay back the state $52,000 for travel costs.

Actuality:  OTTO1.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "He's indicated that he doesn't need to pay this back, but he is paying it back. We just feel an obligation to check the calculation."

Campaign finance records indicate Otto contributed $200 to Kinder's 2004 race for lieutenant governor.

But Otto says there's no reason he, too, should have to recuse himself from the report.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro: 
Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder's decision to pay back travel reimbursements will face scrutiny from the Republican auditor's office.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Republican Kinder has said he'll pay back the state about $52,000 for travel costs.

The Missouri Democratic Party asked for that number to be double-checked.

But Deputy Auditor Harry Otto says his office wasn't pressured into doing this.

Actuality:  OTTO3.WAV
Run Time:  00:07
Description: "No, we have not been asked by any state official, we have not been asked by friends or foes, to conduct this audit."

Otto's boss, Tom Schweich, recused himself from the report after getting $220,000 in campaign donations from Kinder a year ago.

Kinder says his payment will cover all questionable reimbursements.

His campaign lawyer did not return a phone call seeking comment.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.