Illinois lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are calling on the state’s top auditor to take leave after learning he’s been questioned by federal officials.
In a letter addressed today (Thurs), Republican Rep. Grant Wehrli demanded that Auditor General Frank Mautino provide answers regarding campaign expenses incurred during his time in the state House.
According to The Associated Press, those expenses included more than $200,000 made over ten years for payments to non-existent loans at a car repair service in his former district. Wehrli says there is “no way Mautino can effectively do his job as Auditor General while defending himself against potential criminal charges and a State Election Board investigation.”
Wehrli says lawmakers had inquired into his finances before learning of a federal probe last month.
Democratic state Sen. Laura Murphy says Mautino needs to step aside until the probe is completed, saying a leave of absence is in the best interest of the state’s government and taxpayers.
Mautino’s spokesman has declined to comment.