By WBEZ
Chicago, Ill. – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he will continue to fight the proposed realignment of national guard bases in his state.
The governor made his comments as the commission began voting on moving and closing bases, including one in Springfield and another in Rock Island.
Blagojevich says the Pentagon's plan to move F-16 fighter jets from Springfield to Indiana hurts everyone involved.
"From the standpoint of national security, homeland security and the irony that that costs taxpayers $10 million, I think the Department of Defense and the Pentagon are making a big mistake," Blagojevich said.
The state has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense, claiming the federal government needs a governor's consent to move or close military bases.
Decisions on the future of the two bases are expected Thursday and Friday.