Inslee repeats call for state auditor to resign

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has sent state Auditor Troy Kelley a letter repeating his call for the embattled elected official to resign immediately following his indictment by a federal grand jury.

Inslee spokesman David Postman says the letter was emailed Thursday night and then hand-delivered to the auditor's office Friday. The full letter is below.

Kelley pleaded not guilty to 10 felony counts Thursday. The indictment charged him with filing false tax returns, attempting to obstruct a lawsuit and possessing more than $1 million in stolen property related to his former business.

Inslee is among several state leaders who have called for Kelley's resignation. In fact, Democrats and Republicans in Olympia are in agreement: They are both calling for Kelley to step down.

Most of the accusations in the 41-page indictment have to do with Kelley’s business dealings before he was elected state auditor.

But many say his job is to hold other state agencies accountable, and he can’t do that if he’s lost the public’s trust.

“I did not break the law. I want to be clear here. I never ever thought I was breaking the law. I still do not to this day.”

Kelley has said he'll take only a temporary leave of absence beginning May 1. He says he's "determined to fight back" and keep his position.

FULL LETTER FROM INSLEE'S OFFICE