Could internal Rutherford report be released this year?

Democratic Treasurer-elect Mike Frerichs said an audit of his new office will start shortly after he's sworn in Monday and that an internal report about allegations against Treasurer Dan Rutherford could eventually be made public.

Rutherford commissioned the $27,000 internal report after former staffer Edmund Michalowski accused him of harassment and of requiring government workers to do political tasks.

Rutherford never released the report, saying Michalowski's allegations are still part of a lawsuit.

Frerichs told the Daily Herald editorial board Wednesday he'll consider releasing at least part of the report.

“We're going to want to see the report,” Frerichs said.

“We believe in transparency,” he said. “However, we also need to talk to our attorney and see what kind of liability there is out there.”

Rutherford spokeswoman Mary Frances Bragiel declined to comment because it's a legal matter.

Frerichs, of Champaign, narrowly won the office in November by defeating former House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego. He said during the campaign he wanted to audit the office to find efficiencies.

Rutherford didn't run for re-election. Instead, he sought the GOP primary nomination for governor but finished fourth in that race. The treasurer said he thinks the allegations from Michalowski were politically motivated. The claims weren't proven.