Lawmaker Asks Feds To Examine Quinn Program To Combat Violence

(CBS) -- Calls for a federal investigation. A scathing independent auditor's report.

Gov. Pat Quinn continues to be dogged by questions about his $55 million anti-violence program and questions about where and how the money was used.

CBS 2's Dana Kozlov talked to one lawmaker who is pushing for federal action.

Star power at a "raise the minimum wage" rally didn't remove the shadow now hanging over Quinn, in the form of an independent auditor's report. It shines a harsh and critical light on the governor's program and raises questions about how millions of taxpayers' dollars were spent.

"I was first one to spot that there were problems in that, and in 2012 we took immediate action. We moved that agency that was overseeing the program out," Quinn, a Democrat seeking re-election, said Thursday.

Some lawmakers say that was too little, too late.

State Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine, said he has asked the U.S. attorney's office to investigate.

The lawmaker says he hasn't heard back, but the request itself indicates questions about this program aren't going away.

But many, including Ninth Ward Ald. Anthony Beale, defend the program and say it has reduced crime.