Sangamon County state’s attorney John Milhiser could be in the running to become U.S. attorney for the Central District of Illinois, a source says.
Milhiser, a Republican doesn’t deny that he’s interested in the Springfield-based post now held by James Lewis, a Democrat who has announced that he will retire effective Dec. 24. Milhiser wouldn’t say whether he has contacted anyone about the opening or whether he has been contacted.
“I look forward to continuing as Sangamon County state’s attorney,” Milhiser said. “Having said that, I would never rule out other positions where I could have a positive impact on our community. The selection is made by the Trump administration. If they believe I can contribute with my experience as a prosecutor, then I would be honored to be considered.”
Milhiser has been state’s attorney since 2010, when he was named to replace John Schmidt, who left the post to become a Sangamon County circuit court judge. He was re-elected to the job last month with no opposition. Should he leave the post before his term is up, the Sangamon County Board would name his replacement.
Contact Bruce Rushton at brushton@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Dec 1-7, 2016.
