OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee is using his constitutional authority to demand answers from State Auditor Troy Kelley about the federal investigation involving the auditor's office.

In a letter to Kelley on Tuesday evening, which Inslee released after a press conference Wednesday, the governor asked what specific changes Kelley has made in office operations since becoming aware of the investigation, whether that probe is affecting work the office is performing and whether there are any conflicts or interests that might affect the office. He also asked for extensive data about Jason Jerue, a former business associate of Kelley before he became auditor, who was hired part-time by the office after Kelley's election in 2012.

The letter asks for answers by April 6. The questions are separate from any investigation by federal officials or the Legislature. Earlier Wednesday, the Senate Accountability and Reform Committee held a session on the Auditor's Office and invited Kelley to attend; two of  his top deputies came instead, and the committee got a briefing on legislative subpoena powers.

Inslee said he has encouraged Kelley "to be open with the public about anything he could be open about" during the investigation. The two talked about a week ago, when Kelley called to say he would be returning from vacation after the federal investigation became public.

"We haven't had chit chats," Inslee said.

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