By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Several Republican state representatives are ready to take steps that could lead to the ouster of the state’s embattled auditor general.

For six months, some lawmakers have been trying to get answers from Auditor General Frank Mautino about hundreds of thousands of dollars of campaign expenses. Mautino is under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office and the state Board of Elections for a decade’s worth of campaign spending as a high-ranking state lawmaker.

State Rep. Dwight Kay (R-Glen Carbon), alongside Republican representatives Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, Tom Morrison of Palatine and Keith Wheeler of Aurora, said enough is enough.

“We’ve had six months of being stonewalled and the general public doesn’t like that and I guarantee you the General Assembly doesn’t like that,” Kay said.

Kay filed a resolution that would give Mautino the chance to appear before both the House and Senate to answer questions prior to any action to remove him.

“The citizens of Illinois and the General Assembly must have complete, unreserved confidence that the office of Auditor General operates effectively and without the hint of scandal,” he said.

Kay said the speed at which the resolution is taken up depends on House Speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the resolution is an effort to discredit the office for any possible audits that may come out.
The state Constitution says a three-fifths vote in both chambers is needed to remove the auditor general for cause

Gov. Bruce Rauner said Wednesday he’s troubled by what’s he’s read about the Mautino case, but there’s a process ongoing that should play itself out.

Messages seeking comment from Mautino were not returned.