The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - A Republican gubernatorial candidate and his running mate Thursday called for an investigation of state spending on contractors.

They said contract costs are escalating, but many contracts are never subject to public review. They also questioned whether many contracts are verbal instead of written.

"What's out there?" said Bob Heleringer, a former legislator running for lieutenant governor on a slate with state Rep. Steve Nunn of Glasgow.

"How do you define something that isn't written?" Mr. Heleringer said. "Everything needs to be in writing ... so everybody knows where every dollar is going."

Mr. Heleringer of Eastwood in Jefferson County spent 22 years in the House, including 14 years on the General Assembly's Contract Oversight Committee. He was a frequent critic of contract spending.

Mr. Nunn said that, if elected, he would require all contracts to be in writing and submitted for review. He also said he would push legislation to make it a requirement of law.

Meantime, Mr. Nunn and Mr. Heleringer said the oversight committee should hold hearings on the issue. They said Attorney General Ben Chandler and state Auditor Ed Hatchett should assist in an investigation.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Chandler said "anyone with specific evidence of illegal activity" should come forward.

"The legislature approves personal service contracts and has the authority and responsibility to conduct hearings on them," the spokeswoman, Barbara Hadley Smith, said.