DENVER (AP) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis is making private apologies to a Colorado judge for lifting parts of his work for a series of essays McInnis passed off as his own.

McInnis had no immediate plans for a public apology after a Denver newspaper and TV station reported the plagiarism in essays about water rights. A McInnis spokesman acknowledged the plagiarism and says McInnis was trying to reach the original author, Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hobbs.

McInnis’ challenger, Dan Maes, told a conservative radio host Tuesday that McInnis should “man up” about the plagiarism. And a foundation that paid McInnis for the essays says it may seek a refund. (see statement below)

Statement from Seeme Hasan on Scott McInnis Articles

Chairwoman, Hasan Family Foundation

In light of the accusations against Scott McInnis regarding plagiarism of articles to the Hasan Family Foundation, I am shocked, angry and disappointed. Any work related to the fellowship that Mr. McInnis submitted was always represented as final. At no time, whatsoever, did Mr. McInnis communicate that any of the work were “rough drafts.” Any representation that they were submitted to the Foundation as “rough drafts” is absolutely incorrect.

In addition, there were never discussions nor any knowledge by the Foundation that Mr. McInnis was working with a “research advisor.” If indeed Mr. McInnis was working with a “research advisor,” it was never brought to our attention, nor authorized. The work that the Foundation hired Mr. McInnis to do was to be done solely by Mr. McInnis, and not in concert with anyone else.

The Hasan Family Foundation takes the issue of plagiarism extremely seriously. At no time was it brought to our attention that Mr. McInnis used information not cited or unethically used work that was not his own. All work was represented to be original and final. We will conduct an independent, internal investigation and if the allegations are proven to be true, we will demand Mr. McInnis return all monies paid to him by the Foundation.