A state senator on the board of Pennsylvania’s student loan agency criticized an ongoing state audit of the agency’s spending practices Thursday, alleging that it’s politically motivated.

Sen. Vincent Fumo, D-Philadelphia, said the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s spending on business travel, entertainment and promotions have helped boost its revenues.

State Auditor General Jack Wagner announced last April that his office would audit PHEAA, citing news reports of lavish spending. The audit is expected to be completed by the end of June.

‘‘The going out … and entertaining and marketing brought this agency a ton of money,’‘ Fumo said during the board’s monthly meeting. ‘‘I think the auditor general should be ashamed for trying to run a political campaign on the backs of the students of this commonwealth.’‘

Wagner is seeking re-election this year and is considered a potential candidate for governor in 2010. He said the audit isn’t being driven by politics.
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