McCain Promises to Keep U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald

So, what is your most important issue in this presidential campaign?

Reading Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass’ column yesterday morning, reminded me of how high I value the battle against corruption that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has tenaciously fought.

I’m still waiting for him to get to McHenry County.

And, Fitzgerald’s flipping of METRA Board member and Illinois State Medical Society super-lobbyist Don Udstuen doesn’t really count, even though he was from Crystal Lake.

There was nothing that flowed from what I have been told were 10-12 years of notes kept by Udstuen that resulted in any prosecutorial activity in McHenry County.

That doesn’t mean federal investigators haven’t been out here.

I figure it means that the level of corruption out here is mild compared to that in Chicago and the U.S. Attorney’s resources go where the problem is greatest.

In any event, when GOP presidential candidate visited the Tribune’s editorial board, Kass asked about Fitzgerald’s future in the U.S. Attorney’s office.

“I’d keep him. I’d keep him,” McCain said.

Why?

“Because I think he has a record of pursuing criminals, and he has done so, with efficiency and skill and with dedication. I think he has done a good job, and I think the American people are crying out for having this corruption cleaned up.”

Mitt Romney, on the other hand, has made no secret of his desire to dump Fitzgerald.

Besides the hostility toward retaining Fitzgerald I observed on May 3rd and on June 14th, Kass cites what Romney said on WLS’ Don and Roma show.

It probably does not hurt that McCain and former U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald were allies before Illinois establishment Republicans refused to support his re-election.


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