* From Lisa Madigan’s statement today…
I’ve talked about my job in some detail today because I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Over the past few months, I’ve thought about how I can best continue to serve the people of Illinois.
The progress we have made and the work that can still be done have been foremost on my mind.
I’ve also talked with my husband about what’s best for our daughters.
As I have done so, I have been truly privileged to have the advice and generous support of many people around this state.
What it comes down to – and I hope you can hear in my voice – is that I am still passionate about my work.
So today, I am announcing that I will seek a 3rd term as Illinois Attorney General.
I understand that some people may be surprised by my decision, because there has been speculation about whether I might run for Governor or for the U.S. Senate. I can’t express how honored I am that others would consider me for either of these positions.
But I know that for now, the best way for me to continue serving the people of Illinois is to continue doing the job that I love … and there is plenty to do.
I promise those of you looking for leaders who will restore honesty and integrity to Illinois government, I will continue to fight for you.
Read her entire statement by clicking here.
LIVE session coverage...
- AGforLife - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:08 pm:
Lisa we love you and support your decission. Best of Luck!
- bill washerton - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:08 pm:
Oh no!!!! What will Julie Hamos do now?
- 10th Indy - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:10 pm:
Nice.
- Kamp Krusty - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:11 pm:
Any raw video posted anywhere yet, Rich? Preferably with the Q and A?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:14 pm:
Not yet. Waiting on CLTV.
- Leroy - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:27 pm:
== “I promise those of you looking for leaders who will restore honesty and integrity to Illinois government, I will continue to fight for you.” ==
Fight for me to restore honesty an integrity to Illinois…how, exactly?
You’ve been attorney general for quite some time now, and you can’t swing a dead cat in Illinois without hitting corruption.
I’m not sayin’….I’m just sayin’….
- Deeda - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:32 pm:
Leroy,
Thank You!!!! You took the words right out of my mouth.
- orlkon - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:35 pm:
Does this mean that Lisa has no dog in the budget fight? Still!
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:38 pm:
orlkon, yes, she does. Her budget is still on the chopping block
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:41 pm:
–I promise those of you looking for leaders who will restore honesty and integrity to Illinois government, I will continue to fight for you.–
Will she help those looking for those leaders in the form of endorsements for gov and senator?
- Mighty M. Mouse - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:52 pm:
Julie Hamos’ Seinfeld-like reaction:
“Newman!”
- Bubs - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 3:54 pm:
I believe there is another reason, not mentioned: the emerging Cook County Board of Review fracas. Much, much more is coming on this.
I believe that incident at Peraica’s neighbor’s house was not an accident, just bad directions.
Peraica is the lawyer for the main whistle blower in this matter, and he is pushing it.
I believe that Paul Froehlich’s decision to not run for re-election is hardly unrelated to this investigation.
I am told that the potential for a huge scandal is brewing, that will run in many directions and involve many names, with the Board of Review and Cook County property tax appeals at the heart of it.
Whether it will grow legs, or die stillborn, remains to be seen.
- Ann O'Namus - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 4:12 pm:
“You’ve been attorney general for quite some time now, and you can’t swing a dead cat in Illinois without hitting corruption.”
Why do so few allegedly politically aware people realize that the AG in this has no constitutional original jurisdiction in criminal prosecutions? She has no constitutional power to convene a grand jury. Rooting out and prosecuting corruption by the AG can only be done with the collaboration of a States Attorney. Even so, she did investigate Blagojevich and contribute plenty to the investigation that was formally taken over by the Feds.
So criticizing her for not cleaning up government singlehandedly is a lot like criticizing her for not mowing your lawn.
- Justice - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 4:14 pm:
Dang……someone with integrity, commitment, and a passion for her job…….and add to that….consideration for her family!! Now that’s the type of politician I like, or should I say “a great, great public servant.” We need many more like her. Her dad can be very proud!
- Leroy - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 4:55 pm:
Ann O’Namus -
‘Zactly! She has no power, yet she is running around claiming she is fighting for me.
She is a typical Illinois politician. She is promising to mow my lawn, even though she fully well knows she doesn’t have a lawnmower and will never have to do it.
And she expects me to feel good about her professionalism? NOT!
- fed up - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 5:04 pm:
I think Lisa might be thinking Mayor Madigan sounds nice a few years from now.
- Deeda - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 5:11 pm:
Bubs,
Are you tying the Fox News story and Board Of Review with Lisa Madigan?
- fed up - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 5:20 pm:
If the attorney Genearal has no role in criminal prosecutions what does the office these guys run do? I mean we all know the dont look into corruption or illeagal acts by elected officals because well in 7years Lisa would of found some type of corruption here in Ill. Im guessing we could cut this division if Lisa is going to be AG she does nothing to investigate crime or deter corruption. Kevin O’Connell, , Chief of Investigations for Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Michael Hood, Deputy Attorney General of Madigan’s Criminal Enforcement Division.
- Bubs - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 5:24 pm:
To Lisa herself, implying that she is somehow personally invovled? No, I don’t mean to imply that at all.
But that is a simplistic question in this instance.
- Deeda - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 5:33 pm:
Bubs, What do you mean by a “simplistic question in this instance?”
- Tollway Dan - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 5:38 pm:
Hopefully she’ll help focus her attention on Rod & Patti Blagojevich and help/assist Patrick Fitzgerald and put them away for a long long time.
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 5:39 pm:
Lisa Madigan is not 55 years old. Lots of time for her to decide what to do. No rush required. Seems like a good move on her part even if others do not like it.
- elginite - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 7:07 pm:
I used to like Lisa Madigan until she pulled the Blagojevich-is-disabled stunt. As the chief legal officer of the state, she should have known better.
But it did give her airtime on the national news networks…
- long time state worker - Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 7:21 pm:
This is a very wise and well stated decision. She is not quiting, not backing away, but sticking with her job. She has plenty of time for future job changes.