Imperative to Retain Fitzgerald

ILGOP: Obama, Durbin should keep commitment of retaining Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney in Chicago

Imperative that Fitzgerald follows Blagojevich and other investigations to their end

CHICAGO - Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna asked today that President-Elect Barack Obama and Senator Dick Durbin keep their commitment of retaining Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

“In light of the arrest of Rod Blagojevich, it is imperative that Patrick Fitzgerald remain in Chicago to follow these investigations to their end,” said McKenna. “It is incumbent upon President-Elect Obama that he instructs his new Attorney General that Mr. Fitzgerald remain as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.”

McKenna also called on Senator Dick Durbin, as Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator, to renew a pledge to the people of Illinois that he supports Patrick Fitzgerald’s retention as U.S. Attorney in Chicago.

“Senator Durbin should make a commitment to the people of Illinois that he will do everything in his power, including lobbying President-Elect Obama, to keep Mr. Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney in Chicago,” added McKenna. “At this time of great uncertainty within Illinois government, we must have a fighter like Patrick Fitzgerald to complete these investigations.”

“It’s time for real change in Illinois and part of the plan to bring change to Illinois includes leaving Mr. Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney to help fight government corruption,” said McKenna.