The treasurer billed Illinois taxpayers for the hotels, but reimbursed the state last year for five nights after an internal review determined the travel should have been covered by campaign funds. In an Associated Press interview this month, Rutherford said he shared a room with Lanning only twice on state business,Seattle Seahawks Apparel Clearance, but public records and his office later confirmed it happened more often.
A state government travel guideline says employees are entitled to their own room during travel, and the practice of sharing lodging with a boss is frowned upon in the business world for possibly placing subordinates in uncomfortable situations. Lanning, 28, of Pontiac, has worked since 2008 for Rutherford, who previously was a state legislator.
