Governor calls on state auditor to resign

MUSKOGEE, Okla., June 15 (UPI) -- Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan faces removal from office after a federal jury convicted him of eight felony corruption charges.

Jurors last week found that the second-term auditor and his wife Lori illegally accepted excessive campaign money, jewelry and trips from southeastern Oklahoma businessman Steve Phipps, The Oklahoman reported.

Jury foreman Michael Miracle said Friday that after hearing nine days of testimony and arguments, he considered the state auditor "a small fish in a big pond with a lot of whales," the newspaper reported.

On Saturday, Democratic Gov. Brad Henry called on McMahan, a fellow Democrat, to step down.

"Auditor McMahan has had his day in court and a jury of his peers has spoken," Henry said. "In light of the guilty verdict, I believe he should resign his office immediately so the state of Oklahoma can move forward under the leadership of a new state auditor and inspector. It is critical to restore public trust in that position."

In a separate statement, House Speaker Chris Benge said impeachment proceedings are likely if McMahan doesn't resign.