Illinois sues to block proposal to move jets
State officials strike first blow against BRAC recommendations.
Illinois officials sued Thursday to block the Defense Department's proposal to move a squadron of Air National Guard fighter jets to an Indiana base under the base closure and realignment round, the Associated Press reported.
Democratic Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed the lawsuit in federal court in Springfield, where the 183rd Fighter Wing is stationed.
The state argues Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich oversees the state's National Guard forces, so federal officials are not allowed to make changes if he objects. "Federal law could not be more clear: no National Guard base closures without the consent of the governor," Madigan said in a statement. "Gov. Blagojevich certainly has not given his consent."
Other states are making the same legal argument as the fate of military bases are being considered under the current BRAC round. Pennsylvania has filed a similar lawsuit.
The 183rd, which would be moved Fort Wayne, Ind., is part of the Illinois Air National Guard, under the governor's authority.
The independent Base Closure and Realignment Commission, along with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, are named as defendants in the lawsuit.
A Defense Department spokeswoman declined to comment.