CSBJ Daily

Gov. Bill Ritter’s campaign committee has taken out a $200,000 loan to repair violations of state campaign laws during his gubernatorial campaign in 2006 and 2007.

Apparently, payments for direct campaign expenses were taken out of an account meant solely for Ritter’s inauguration. The discrepancy was discovered in February as the committee’s accountant began to prepare required federal forms.

After finding problems, a comprehensive review showed that up to $217,164 in campaign expenses were incorrectly paid out of the inaugural account to 28 vendors. The review also found that Greg Kolomitz, Ritter’s campaign manager, overpaid himself and his company $83,000 out of the inaugural account. Kolomitz repaid the money Monday.

The $200,000 loan, which will be used to repay vendors, was obtained March 31 from Vectra Bank. The governor secured the loan with a deed of trust on their private home.

State Attorney General John Suthers and Denver District Attorney Mitchell Morrissey were given copies of the campaign finance report yesterday. There is no word about whether they will press charges for the campaign finance violations.