Topeka ? A recent trip by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to a conference in Istanbul, Turkey, is being blasted by the Kansas Taxpayers Network as a waste of taxpayer dollars.

“This is an example of dubious spending that is all too common at all levels of government today,” said Karl Peterjohn, executive director of the network.

But Sebelius’ office said the expenses were justified because she attended the conference in her capacity as governor.

Sebelius was invited to the Bilderberg Group meetings in June. Delegates included politicians and leaders from around the world who participated in discussions on public policy.

The Bilderberg conference covered Sebelius’ travel expenses of $3,914, while Kansas taxpayers paid for her meals and lodging, which totaled $1,274, according to Sebelius’ office.

At the meeting, Sebelius, a Democrat, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, made a presentation on the interaction between states and the federal government, Sebelius’ office said.

“Last time I checked, a bipartisan discussion on how states and the federal government can better interact is a good thing,” said Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran.