* Press release…

Erika Harold Statement on Lisa Madigan’s Retirement Announcement

Time for new leadership that puts the people before the powerful political class.

Republican Attorney General candidate Erika Harold released the following statement after Lisa Madigan announced she would not run for a fifth term:

“Illinois voters are tired of politicians putting the powerful political class ahead of the people. As I have traveled the state, I have heard over and over how career politicians have made it a nightmare for too many families in our state. Regardless of who the Democrats put forward, our campaign will continue to focus on protecting the people and not the powerful.“

” I would like to thank Attorney General Lisa Madigan for her service to the people of Illinois and wish her the best in future endeavors.”

Erika announced her candidacy one month ago today. In 2003, Harold was crowned Miss America and became a national leader in the fight to end youth violence and bullying. Harold serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Equality, and as a Commissioner on the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. Harold is an attorney at Meyer Capel and serves on the national board of directors of Prison Fellowship, the world’s largest outreach to prisoners and their families, advocating for criminal justice reform.

* Another one…

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR EMANUEL ON ATTORNEY GENERAL LISA MADIGAN’S DECISION NOT TO SEEK ANOTHER TERM

“Lisa Madigan’s integrity, intelligence and unwavering commitment to justice made our state stronger and safer. Her service spans two decades and is one of many firsts. She is both the first female elected to serve as Attorney General of Illinois and the first Illinois Attorney General to argue a case before the Supreme Court in three decades. She never shied from criticism or shirked duty, earning her the esteem of colleagues, the respect of her critics and the admiration of the people of Illinois. Despite earning national praise, Attorney General Madigan never forgot her South Side upbringing and fought for Chicago. As a lawyer and lawmaker, she argued against discriminatory business practices, advocated for survivors of sexual assault and advanced access to affordable health care. While Attorney General Madigan may not be running for reelection, I am confident she will continue her selfless service beyond Springfield, and I look forward to working with her in the years to come.”

I’ll post more as they come in.

…Adding… Pulls the last 24 hours together…

House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago — who herself announced Thursday she wouldn’t seek re-election — said she was “totally blindsided” by the announcement, which she called “disappointing.”

“She clearly is not closing the door to later opportunities. So I would hope that at some point we will see her back in the political ring running for attorney general or even governor,” Currie said. “I think she would make a great governor.”

* Jesse White…

Statement from Secretary White on Lisa Madigan’s Decision Not to Run for Reelection

I applaud and commend Lisa Madigan for the outstanding work she has done as Illinois Attorney General. Attorney General Madigan has been a tireless advocate for consumers, children and the public at large.

Through her efforts, she has helped those plagued by fraud and identity theft, strengthened the rights of crime victims, protected children from sexual predators and pornographers and secured debt relief for students victimized by fraudulent and predatory lending practices.

I wish Lisa well in her future endeavors and know that she will continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives.