Audit questions Missouri governor's use of state vehicles

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A state audit of the governor's office points out continued problems with political and personal use of state vehicles.

The audit from Democratic State Auditor Susan Montee recommends legislation be enacted to explicitly define when state-owned cars can be used for purposes other than official business.

Until then, the audit says, Republican Gov. Matt Blunt's use of such vehicles for reasons other than security should be "reimbursed or discontinued."

The issue has been a contentious topic in the Capitol, with Republican critics of Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon raising similar concerns about his use of state cars. Nixon wants to replace Blunt as governor in the November election.

Blunt is not seeking re-election.