State auditor resigns post

State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan " convicted of federal charges involving campaign finance " resigned today, according to a spokesman for Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.

"Governor Henry received Jeff McMahan's resignation letter this morning. The governor will now begin the process of appointing a new state auditor and inspector," spokesman Paul Sund said. "Governor Henry believes it is critical to restore public trust in the auditor's position, and he will move carefully and as expeditiously as possible to select an individual who can do just that."

Jurors in federal court in Muskogee convicted McMahan and his wife, Lori, on numerous federal charges alleging they knowingly received illegal campaign contributions. The governor had called for McMahan to step down.

State House Speaker Chris Benge issued a statement regarding McMahan's resignation.

"I am pleased Mr. McMahan did the honorable thing for the people of Oklahoma and decided to step down today," said Benge, R-Tulsa. "The House will now not have to have an expensive and redundant impeachment process that would have cost the taxpayers' money." "Ben Fenwick

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