*** UPDATE 1 *** According to a top source, General Enyart is submitting his resignation today from his position with the state and the National Guard to pursue the 12th Congressional District seat. I should have his official letter around one o’clock. Enyart’s announcement is set for 2 o’clock.

*** UPDATE 2 *** The resignation letter is here.

*** UPDATE 3 *** Enyart says he won’t announce his decision about whether to try for the ballot appointment until next week…

Maj. Gen. William Enyart, commander of the Illinois National Guard, retired from the military effective today, and said he was seriously considering seeking the Democratic nomination to replace U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello.

Costello, who has represented the 12th Congressional District since 1988, announced in October that he won’t seek re-election in November. That threw up for grabs a seat that had been considered safe for Democrats since World War II.

“I want to step down and take some time with my family and weigh the prospect of a candidacy.” Enyart said while standing at the Veterans Memorial in the Public Square here.

“I would not resign if I was not prepared to look at it very hard.”

[ *** End Of Updates *** ]

* I received this via e-mail earlier today…

Major General William L. Enyart will make an announcement regarding his future plans at 2 pm, Thursday, June 7 at the Veterans’ Monument, Belleville Public Square, Main and Illinois Streets, Belleville, IL.

Enyart is considering a bid for the 12th District. As you already know, this is longtime Democratic incumbent Jerry Costello’s seat and his hand-picked replacement dropped out of the race last month. Whoever is chosen for the spot will face Republican Jason Plummer in the general election.

* OK, on to the very big tea leaves…

Enyart said he had spoken with Costello about his possible candidacy but wouldn’t discuss specifics. “I’ve had the best job in the world with the Illinois National Guard,” Enyart said. “But this could be an area where I could a have significant impact.” […]

Metro East politicos say Enyart would be a formidable candidate with his military experience and contacts at Scott Air Force Base, which is the district’s largest employer and an important touchstone in Washington.

But a wild card in the mix is Circuit Judge John Baricevic, a Fairview Heights man who has a long résumé with decades in public office and who said he’s considering a run for the seat.

Baricevic said he enjoys public service but added that his decision could hinge on Enyart, whom Baricevic said would be a good candidate.

“If he’s serious about it, then I’ll probably step aside,” Baricevic said.

Baricevic was considered by insiders to be the guy who would be the most likely to get the weighted vote from St. Clair and Madison counties. If he’s willing to step aside for Enyart, and Enyart has talked to Costello about a bid, and Enyart is making an announcement today, you don’t have to be blind to see the signals here.

* Enyart, by the way, is a military lawyer who lists no combat experience on his resume…

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. November 1982 - November 1984, Trial Counsel, 66th Infantry Brigade, Decatur, Illinois
2. November 1984 - February 1985, Executive Officer, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry, Litchfield, Illinois
3. February 1985 - August 1985, Assistant Trial Counsel, 86th Army Reserve Command, Urbana, Illinois
4. August 1985 - September 1990, Selective Service System Officer, Detachment One, State Area Command, Springfield, Illinois
5. September 1990 - August 1993, Assistant Judge Advocate, State Area Command, Springfield, Illinois
6. August 1993 - May 1996, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, 66th Infantry Brigade, Decatur, Illinois
7. May 1996 - September 1997, Command Judge Advocate, 33rd Area Support Group, Chicago, Illinois
8. September 1997 - October 2002, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, State Area Command, Springfield, Illinois
9. October 2002 - December 2005, Staff Judge Advocate, State Area Command, Springfield, Illinois
10. December 2005 - May 2006, Deputy Commander, Joint Forces Headquarters, Springfield, Illinois
11. June 2006 - September 2007, Assistant Adjutant General-Army, Illinois National Guard, Joint Forces Headquarters, Springfield, Illinois
12. September 2007 - Present, The Adjutant General, Illinois National Guard, Springfield, Illinois