A $3.5 billion accounting error puts the South Carolina comptroller's job on the line

South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom holds up a book he wanted to present to his new chief of staff during his introduction at a meeting on Aug. 13, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Pressure is mounting for Eckstrom after a $3.5 billion accounting error. (Mary Ann Chastain/AP)

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers angry over a $3.5 billion accounting blunder by the state's comptroller general began efforts Thursday to sack the official, a day after demanding he quit or be fired.

Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom told senators last month he had unintentionally exaggerated the state's cash position by $3.5 billion by overstating the amount the state had sent to colleges and universities for a decade. He has signaled he won't resign.