Birkett out of AG race

DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett said today he is dropping out of the race for Illinois Attorney General, citing an "unwinnable" competition against incument Lisa Madigan.
The announcment comes weeks after Madigan, who beat Birkett in 2002, decided to try for a third term instead of seeking a Senate seat or governor’s mansion.
Birkett announced his intent to run for attorney general just a week before Madigan’s stunning declaration.
Birkett made the announcement on his campaign Web site this afternoon and directly attributed his decision to Madigan’s move.
“As you know, contrary to everyone’s expectations ... Lisa Madigan announced that she would seek re-election,” Birkett wrote on the Web site. “Since that time, I have talked to my family, friends and supporters. I have assessed the political environment, the anticipated costs, and the commitment of time, among other factors. It has become clear to my advisors and me that it will be virtually impossible to compete financially with Lisa Madigan. She has the power of incumbency and her father continues to control the flow of campaign contributions.”
Birkett continued, “It would be wrong for me to run and to ask people to contribute to a race that that is virtually unwinnable under the circumstances. I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me to run and I truly appreciate your continued support. I look forward to working to restore our state’s soiled reputation in any way I can.”
Birkett had also been contimplating a run for governor this year. But now state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, and DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom are two heavyweights competing for suburban votes in the GOP gubernatorial primary.