Mitchell Rubin's status as chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission appears to be in jeopardy.

Gov. Ed Rendell took the initial steps to determine whether he can and should remove Rubin as his appointee to the board overseeing the nation's oldest superhighway, Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo said Thursday.

Rubin held a no-show job as a state Senate consultant, according to the federal indictment of former Sen. Vincent Fumo, a Philadelphia Democrat who paid Rubin $150,000 a year in state tax dollars. A jury Monday convicted Fumo of 137 criminal charges, including one concerning Rubin's employment. Fumo could face up to 10 years in prison when sentenced July 13.

Rubin's wife, Ruth Arnao, a longtime Fumo aide, was convicted of 45 counts, including obstruction. Prosecutors said she benefited from Fumo's largesse.

Rubin, 57, of Philadelphia has not been charged. He could not be reached for comment.