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* UPDATED x1 * This just in… Fitzgerald to step down

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* 11:20 am - From a press release…

U.S. ATTORNEY PATRICK J. FITZGERALD TO STEP DOWN

Chicago’s longest-serving U.S. Attorney leaving office June 30

CHICAGO — Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois for more than a decade, today announced that he is stepping down as U.S. Attorney effective June 30, 2012. Mr. Fitzgerald notified the White House, Attorney General Eric Holder, and U.S. Sens. Richard Durbin and Mark Kirk this morning of his decision to step down from the presidentially appointed post that he has held since Sept. 1, 2001, making him the longest-serving U.S. Attorney ever in Chicago.

Mr. Fitzgerald, 51, has no future employment plans and will take time off this summer before considering career options. Including his tenure as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York, Mr. Fitzgerald is leaving the Justice Department after nearly 24 years.

“When I was selected for this position in 2001, I said that it was one of the greatest opportunities that one could ever hope for, and I believe that even more now after having the privilege of working alongside hundreds of dedicated prosecutors and agents. I have tried not to get in their way. I extend my deepest appreciation to the attorneys and staff for their determined commitment to public service. This was a great office when I arrived, and I have no doubt that it will continue to be a great office,” Mr. Fitzgerald said.

He plans to hold a press conference tomorrow.

*** UPDATE *** From a press release…

STATEMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON RESIGNATION OF
U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
PATRICK FITZGERALD

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement today on the resignation of U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Patrick Fitzgerald:

“Throughout his distinguished career as a prosecutor, United States Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has served the American people and the citizens of Illinois with the utmost integrity and a steadfast commitment to the cause of justice.

“From his early consequential years in New York City confronting the terrorist threat to his strong leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Pat has rightly earned a reputation over these last 24 years as a prosecutor’s prosecutor, overseeing significant cases involving public corruption, international terrorism and terrorism financing, corporate fraud, organized crime, and violent crime.

“A hallmark of Pat’s tenure has been his personal commitment to the Department’s mission and his willingness to accept the call of duty – whenever it came and whatever it required. In 2003, he was appointed as special counsel in the investigation into the disclosure of the identity of a covert employee of the Central Intelligence Agency that resulted in the indictment of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, then chief of staff and national security advisor to the Vice President. He also served as lead counsel in the trial, which resulted in Mr. Libby’s conviction on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. In 2010, I appointed Pat as Special Attorney to supervise the investigation that resulted in the pending indictment, in the Eastern District of Virginia, of former CIA officer John Kiriakou for allegedly repeatedly disclosing classified information, including the name of a covert CIA officer and information revealing the role of another CIA employee in classified activities.

“Over the years, he has gained the trust of two presidents and the unwavering confidence of four Attorneys General, and I am deeply grateful to him for his service and his friendship over the years.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:20 am

Comments

Ugh. Guess it was inevitable, but I didn’t want to see this for a while.

Comment by Tubbfan Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:26 am
Wow.

Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:27 am
Somebody please tell me that Jesse White doesn’t get to pick the replacement.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:29 am
So what is he going to run for?

Comment by Publius Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:30 am
I wonder if this has been on the cards for a while and just was made public once the cases associated with Blagojevich were wrapped up.

As far as Fitzgerald’s replacement, who will Dick Durbin recommend to President Obama?

Comment by Boone Logan Square Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:34 am
Cue the “woe is us” column from Kass in 5-4-3-2-1…

Wasn’t Daley the “Indispensable Man,” too?

Come to think of it, if Daley’s law license is current, he would be the perfect replacement for Fitz. He’d sure know where to look.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:35 am
Publius - my thoughts exactly. There are two major offices for which elections will be held in 2014: Governor and U.S. Senator. Fitz stepping down in 5-6 weeks allows him to start forming a campaign committee and send out feelers for fundraising.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:36 am
Say it ain’t so!!!! Local politicians are breathing a sigh of relief.

Comment by Poor Richard Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:37 am
“Somebody please tell me that Jesse White doesn’t get to pick the replacement.”

Zing!

Comment by I lol'd Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:38 am
@Team Sleep -

My bet is he’ll follow in Patrick Collins’ footsteps and become a big time lawyer protecting corporations from white collar convictions.

If he’s smart, he’ll headline some firm in New York. He’s almost too big a fish in Chicago now, and there’s much more money to be made on Wall Street.

As for his political future, he’s got a great resume. But public speaking skills, fundraising skills? None. He’d be an awful, awful candidate at the end of the day.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:41 am
I’m surprised there were never any major charges brought against the Stroger administration, they seemed to be investigating them for awhile.

Comment by Lincoln Parker Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:42 am
Governor Fitzgerald?

Comment by Chevy owner/Ford County Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:45 am
=== Come to think of it, if Daley’s law license is current, he would be the perfect replacement for Fitz. He’d sure know where to look. ===

Let’s bring Blago on as a special consultant as well! They certainly know where to look.

Comment by Freeman Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:47 am
- Boone Logan Square - Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:34 am:

“As far as Fitzgerald’s replacement, who will Dick Durbin recommend to President Obama?”

I’m pretty sure Roland Burris has an open space on his mausoleum…

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:52 am
I”m not sure how much money there is in defending white collar criminals. I don’t believe there’s been an indictment coming from any of the various problems arising from wall street from 2008 and on.

Jon Corzine lost over a billion dollars. He doesn’t seem to need an attorney.

Comment by 13th Voter Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:53 am
As a native New Yorker, perhaps he has designs on NYC mayor?

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:54 am
thats good news for rita crundwell and a dozen or so politicians

Comment by foster brooks Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:00 pm
I don’t seen a run for office in the cards.
As a Democrat? - don’t think so.
As a Republican? - anybody remember Robert Kjellander and the push to remove Fitzgerald?

Comment by JustaJoe Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:08 pm
“I’m pretty sure Roland Burris has an open space on his mausoleum…”
Didn’t the senate thing fill the opens slot?

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:09 pm
Will the charges be dropped against Derrick Smith?

Comment by goo goos go boo hoo Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:10 pm
Doubtful that Mr “Clean” Sen Durbin will follow Peter Fitzgerald’s lead and pick an outsider- Chances are that Durbin goes with an insider and we can look forward to a return to business as usual- it was refreshing while it lasted

Comment by Sue Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:17 pm
Carol Mosely Braun, obviously.

Comment by Windy City Kitty Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:19 pm
My first thought was that he must have an Illinois pension…

Comment by Slick Willy Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:22 pm
==it was refreshing while it lasted==

That it was.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:27 pm
I would pay great $ to see the look and hear the thoughts of patti and rod when they heard this news.

Comment by shore Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:31 pm
–Doubtful that Mr “Clean” Sen Durbin will follow Peter Fitzgerald’s lead and pick an outsider- Chances are that Durbin goes with an insider and we can look forward to a return to business as usual—

What’s the basis for your attack, besides Kass columns?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:33 pm
My sources say that Fitzgerald’s unrivaled knowledge of Chicago, Cook County and Illinois state government obtained through years of unpublished tapes and transcripts got him an astounding consultancy contract with Russia’s Vladmir Putin. The focus of the assignment is “Fooling Citizens Into Believing They Live In A Democratic Republic.” I also hear that Vlad extended a similar contract to the undisputed Machiavelli of advisors,David Axelrod. His focus is “Media Manipulation for Autocrats.”

Comment by Cook County Commoner Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 12:47 pm
I don’t claim any special knowledge into Fitzie’s motivations for leaving, but I wouldn’t bet on him running for public office.

He’s married, I think he has two young kids, and I suspect he’s at a point in life where he might like to slow down a bit job wise.

Comment by Irishpirate Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 1:00 pm
I agree with Irishpirate: it’s time for Fitzgerald to earn the millions of dollars he left on the table when he chose public service. This isn’t the time to continue in public service. He’s done his share. It’s time to make some money and I don’t think he’ll have any trouble doing that, wherever he goes.

Thanks Mr. Fitzgerald. I didn’t always agree with you or your zeal, but you were a much-needed check on corruption in this town. Mission accomplished.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 1:08 pm
Patrick Fitzgerald has proven to be one of the most upstanding upsetters of the political operations status quo. Dick Durbin has nothing in his history to suggest he will recommend for appointment anyone other than a traditional combine team player. AND Obabma surely will not disapprove of anyone he recommends - unless it is Rezko - wait - maybe not.

Comment by johhnypizza Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 1:18 pm
Romney/Fitzgerald?

Comment by phocion Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 1:29 pm
Senator Durbin’s recommendations for other U.S. Attorney positions have been fairly down the middle. As best as I can remember, I believe he has asked MOCs for their input before he makes a recommendation.

YDD and others - I know he’s not a great public speaker but I think he could do quite well as a candidate. You can work on your speaking skills and hire a top-notch fundraiser. It’s not out of the realm.

And to whoever says there is no money in white collar law - yeah, whatever. Jon Corzine likely has an army of attorneys who charge well above the national average and he could care less as long as he stays out of the SEC spotlight.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 1:56 pm
Am I the only person in Springfield who remembers that Dick Durbin, as a Congressman, in 1987 took the stand as a witness for the plaintiffs in the Springfield Voting Rights lawsuit? Testifying truthfully, he laid out how in Springfield the “Republicrats” rigged things, just like Kass’ “Combine” in Chicago, and in the process were in violation of the Voting Rights Act.

For airing that dirty laundry in public, the 1990 Congressional remap gave him a much less friendly district, stretched way to the south for John Shimkus (who won the seat in 1996 for the first of three terms) in the 1992 race. Durbin only held the seat in 1994 as the GOP nominated a John Bircher (Bill Owens). The seat was so gerrymandered that in Northeast Springfield the Congressman wasn’t Durbin, but Bob Michel from Peoria.

If that Dick Durbin shows up, we’ll be fine. Besides … his pick for Southern Illinois has been doing a great job.

Now, if the final say so goes to Jim Thompson (like the 1980s), that’s another story.

Comment by Anyone Remember? Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 1:59 pm
with those years in it’s pension time. maybe a career as a radio host. he knows lots, and from the first time I heard him up close to the presser about Blago and the reason for arrest, he has been a world class long talker.

Comment by amalia Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 2:45 pm
Yep, this is probably nothing more than a ploy to begin collecting his pension early and get out before the perks are cut.

I’ll bet Jason and Hal have already filed the FOIAs.

Comment by anon sequitor Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 3:25 pm
My perception may be off; but I’ve perceived Fitzerald and the fear of Fitzerald as the biggest check on corruption in Illinois politics for years. As bad as its still been with him, I wonder what it will be without him.

Comment by Logic not emotion Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 3:27 pm
–My perception may be off; but I’ve perceived Fitzerald and the fear of Fitzerald as the biggest check on corruption in Illinois politics for years–

Didn’t slow down Blago, Rezko, Levine, Cellini, et. al. They were open for business when Ryan was on trial.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 3:43 pm
Ok, let’s go for the long-shot here. Kirk resigns and Fitzgerald appointed U.S. Senator by Quinn at Obama’s request.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 3:49 pm
The odds of a replacement being nominated and confirmed this year are not high. The longtime and highly respected First Assistant, Gary Shapiro, could be acting U.S. Attorney until next year.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 3:53 pm
wordslinger: That is why it is so scary. It is no wonder that some study ranked Chicago as the US’s most corrupt city and Illinois as the 3rd most corrupt state (behind NY and CA).

Comment by Logic not emotion Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 4:06 pm
Anon sequitor - Fitz’s pension would be federal. He’s a U.S. Attorney.

Logic & Word: I think you are both right. I think the people Word mentioned would’ve done what they did regardless of whether anyone was watching them - and Blago clearly had delusions of grandeur that caused him to continue his acts after he likely knew or did know that the feds had him cornered. At the same time - what is the likelihood that any other U.S. Attorney would have gone after the aforementioned persons with the same vigor as Fitz? That is not to say that Fitz pursued every charge with the same gusto or that he was able to nab every villain who happened to be a public sector employee. But he was effective.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 4:11 pm
–It is no wonder that some study ranked Chicago as the US’s most corrupt city and Illinois as the 3rd most corrupt state (behind NY and CA).–

Meh. What study is that? Not that it matters, anyone can spin it anyway they want. Corruption doesn’t recognize any borders.

The biggest business in Kentucky, outside of Yum, is marijuana. I doubt if NJ, MS, or LA would hold a backseat to any state as far as corruption goes.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 4:20 pm
@Logic not emotion -

That “Study” has long-ago been debunked.

An independent national study by the State Integrity Project gave Illinois a “C” - 74%. We can do better, but that was good enough to place 11th-best for corruption-fighting.

The top two states - New Jersey and Connecticut - recently passed tough new anti-corruption laws in the wake of big scandals.

And this is what they had to say about Georgia, the nation’s most corrupt state:

“In Georgia, more than 650 government employees accepted gifts from vendors doing business with the state in 2007 and 2008, clearly violating state ethics law. The last time the state issued a penalty on a vendor was 1999.”

You see, it turns out that having a lot of convictions isn’t a bad thing. Illinois could be like Georgia, and just ignore enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 4:48 pm
Freeman - Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 11:47 am:

=== Come to think of it, if Daley’s law license is current, he would be the perfect replacement for Fitz. He’d sure know where to look. ===
Let’s bring Blago on as a special consultant as well! They certainly know where to look.

Way too funny!

But seriously, that job has to take a lot of time away from someone with a young family. I don’t see politics, you have to as someone pointed out fundraising and speaking skills. Mr. Fitzgerald always looks uncomfortable on camera.

I see him making a lot more money, and working less hours somewhere. I am sure he will leave town, as he has scared a lot of people, especially politicians.

Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 4:53 pm
As a no holds barred prosecutor who has gone after criminals and law breaking politicians on both the left and right, and as someone who is respected –and feared– by many on both the left and right, here are a couple possibilities about Fitzgerald’s future:

-Replacement for struggling AG Holder in a second Obama admin.

-AG in a Romney admin

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 6:15 pm
Illinois will miss him. One possibility for his stepping down that is perhaps being overlooked is “health reasons”. He will be a top contender for Attorney-General if Romney wins in November. In the meantime, he may have decided to go out and make the big money like Dan Web and Jim Thompson while he is waiting to see if Romney pulls the rug out from under Obama.

Comment by Phineas Fogg Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 6:57 pm
A big round of applause for Fitzgerald, who by all accounts is a very hardworking and ethical person. For putting Blagojevich away he should have a city or county named after him.

Comment by DuPage Dave Wednesday, May 23, 12 @ 7:22 pm