Governor Blagojevich Designates April 7, 2009 as date for Fifth Congressional District Seat Special Election

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today issued a Writ of Election designating Tuesday April 7, 2009, as the date for the Special Congressional Election for the Fifth District Seat which was formerly held by Rahm Emanuel, now President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff. The Governor also set Tuesday, March 3, 2009, as the date for the Special Primary Election.

The two dates follow the recommendations outlined in a letter from Cook County Clerk David Orr and Lance Gough, Executive Director of the Chicago Election Board. Both officials serve as the two election authorities over the district. Orr and Gough contend that these dates allow for increased voter turnout while allowing the Fifth Congressional District to be represented in Congress as soon as possible.

"I am pleased to set these election dates so that the people of the Fifth Congressional District can have a representative in Congress as quickly as possible. With our nation in a recession, we need to ensure that Illinois' voice is being represented in Washington D.C. to get our economy back on track," said Governor Blagojevich.

By state law, the Governor is required to set the date of a special election for a Congressional seat within five days after the vacancy is created.