SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Two Republican congressmen say the U.S. attorney in central Illinois appointed by former President Donald Trump should remain on the job until his replacement is approved by the U.S. Senate.
Reps. Congressmen Rodney Davis of Taylorville and Darin LaHood of Peoria say John Milhiser should not be immediately dismissed by President Joe Biden’s administration.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday the Biden administration has “begun the transition process for the U.S. attorneys,” a traditional move by new presidents. In a joint statement, Davis and LaHood said the move would be “reckless and irresponsible” for the administration to dismiss Milhiser or John Lausch the U.S attorney in northern Illinois, who is investigating public corruption that has tainted former House Speaker Michael Madigan and others.
Milhiser recently announced the indictment of former Republican state senator and former gubernatorial candidate Sam McCann on fraud, money laundering and tax evasion charges.
Milhiser, 51, a Republican former Sangamon County state’s attorney, was named acting U.S. attorney for the 46-county central Illinois district in fall 2018. He was nominated for the permanent position by Trump that summer.
Milhiser and his spokeswoman haven’t responded to telephone calls seeking comment on LaHood’s and Davis’ statement.
