Democrat asks Illinois' auditor to step aside amid probe

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A Democratic state lawmaker wants Democratic Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino to take a leave of absence after learning federal officials questioned him about campaign expenses.

In a letter sent Wednesday, state Sen. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines asks Mautino to step aside until the investigation is complete. Murphy says a leave is in the best interest of state government and taxpayers.

Mautino is a former legislator. The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald (http://bit.ly/1t3TKdE ) reports he's been scrutinized recently for campaign expenses, including more than $200,000 spent over about a dozen years at a service station in his former legislative district.

Republican lawmakers, including state Rep. Grant Wehrli of Naperville, have demanded answers. Wehrli said Thursday that Mautino should take unpaid leave during the probe.

Mautino's spokesman declined comment.

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Information from: Daily Herald, http://www.dailyherald.com