Gianulis to retire from Blago administration

Kurt Allemeier of the Dispatch/Argus reports:

Long-time Rock Island County Democratic party leader John Gianulis will retire from his position in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration to focus entirely on his duties with the county organization.

Mr. Gianulis, who was considered instrumental in electing Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2002, informed the governor Monday that he would retire as deputy director of intergovernmental relations and personnel effective Sept. 30.

He said his retirement is not linked to a federal investigation of the governor's administration. Mr. Gianulis was questioned by attorneys for the Illinois Inspector General earlier this year, before the investigation into Gov. Blagojevich's hiring practices was taken over by the U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago.

Being involved with personnel in the Blagojevich administration put John G. close to a widening investigation of hiring practice violations which have been swirling around the governor for some time. Regardless of whether any wrong-doing occured, the investigations will no doubt be something Gianulis will have to contend with for some time after his return to chairing the Rock Island County Democratic organization.