Birkett announced his plans to run for attorney general in July.
Birkett decides against AG run
August 6, 2009 According to his Web site, Birkett made the decision not to run after Attorney General Lisa Madigan's announcement that she would run for re-election. The state's attorney said he would not be able to compete financially with Madigan and it wouldn't be fair to ask for contributions for a race that is "virtually unwinnable."