Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Gov. Rod Blagojevich today sued the Department of Defense to prevent the transfer of Springfield's 183rd Fighter Wing's F-16s to Fort Wayne, Ind., through the base realignment and closure process.Wow. Has any state had to do this before? Have they been successful? I certainly want the state to proceed with this if it has a chance and isn't just political grandstanding.
Blagojevich and Madigan said the Pentagon violated federal law by recommending the transfer. They contend the governor must consent to any changes in Air National Guard bases.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Central Division of Illinois in Springfield.
UPDATE: The Southern Illinoisan has a more detailed breaking news story. They quote Attorney General Lisa Madigan in the matter:
"I have made clear that I will take legal action on behalf of the Governor should it become necessary to prevent the realignment of the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield," Attorney General Madigan said. "Today, as Illinois' chief legal officer, I am taking that action to ensure the Secretary of Defense and BRAC Commissioners adhere to the law. Federal law could not be more clear: no National Guard base closures without the consent of the Governor. Governor Blagojevich certainly has not given his consent and, along with myself, the congressional delegation and the mayor, has fought this realignment. We now will continue this fight in court."
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