South West Illinois News

Ed McLean, Chairman of the Monroe County Republicans, expressed concerns over Governor JB Pritzker's decision to block pardoned January 6 defendants from obtaining jobs in Illinois. McLean said that this move disregards presidential authority and prioritizes a political agenda over the justice system. He made these remarks to SW Illinois News on February 6.

"Pritzker's decision to block pardoned Americans from state jobs is nothing more than an attempt to challenge Trump," said McLean. "His disregard for presidential authority is an insult to the legal system and the Constitution. This move is about power, not principle, and it shows his willingness to put politics over people. If Pritzker begins deciding which federal laws to ignore, the rule of law itself is at risk."

In a letter dated January 30 to the director of the Department of Central Management Services, Governor Pritzker instructed the agency to reject candidates for state employment who have engaged in "infamous or disgraceful conduct," as outlined in the State’s Personnel Code (20 ILCS 415/8b.4). According to Politico, Pritzker specifically mentioned participation in the January 6 insurrection as conduct that contradicts the state's mission.

Politico reported that Governor Pritzker barred individuals involved in the events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, from state government jobs, countering pardons issued by President Trump. In an official letter, he directed Illinois' hiring agency to enforce this restriction. Pritzker’s spokesperson declined to comment on the letter. The governor has been considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in 2024 and is viewed as a possible contender for the Democratic presidential ticket in 2028.

Fox News noted that on January 20, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 defendants related to January 6, fulfilling his promise to act swiftly on pardons. Signing an executive order from the Oval Office, he directed immediate action by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Earlier that day, outgoing President Biden issued last-minute pardons including retired General Mark Milley and others involved in the January 6 Select Committee investigation.

McLean has served as Chairman since 2016 and is committed to advocating for conservative values within Monroe County. A retired engineer and business leader, McLean resides with his wife on a small horse farm in rural Monroe County. He is active in civic organizations such as the Mason Shriner Organization and has been involved with the Rotary Club since 1987.