did not have friends or enemies in the Illinois government. Several indictments resulted, including that of former Republican Governor George Ryan, who was eventually convicted of several criminal abuses of authority, and Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, who many years later was convicted of attempting to sell the Senate seat vacated by Fitzgerald's successor and President-elect Barack Obama. The scandal was seen as ensuring Illinois' reputation as one of the most politically corrupt states. When the Republican establishment made clear that they would not support him for reelection, Fitzgerald announced he would retire at the end of his current term. Republicans nominated businessman Jack Ryan for the seat in the primaries. However, Ryan was later pressured by the Illinois Republican Party to withdraw because of publicity received from the contents of his previously-sealed divorce case. Fitzgerald stood by Ryan and supported him, despite the pressure from the media and the Illinois Republican party on Ryan to withdraw. Just 86 days before the election, the party drafted Maryland native Alan Keyes as the nominee. Keyes was accused of "carpetbagging," and was defeated by Barack Obama by more than 40 percent of the vote. It has been stated that Fitzgerald, who was popular among independents, stood the best chance of retaining the seat and defeating Obama, who went on to win the presidential election just four years later. During his final months in office, Fox News ran an op-ed on Fitzgerald, "Retiring Senator Stood Up for Principles." Post-political career Fitzgerald is the founder and Chairman of Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. in McLean, Virginia He serves on the board of trustees of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, which is a museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Electoral history 1998 Republican Primary – U.S. Senate Peter Fitzgerald (R), 51.83% Loleta Didrickson (R), 48.17% 1998 General Election – U.S. Senate Peter Fitzgerald (R), 50.35% Carol Moseley Braun (D), 47.44% References External links Federal Election Commission — Peter G Fitzgerald campaign finance reports and data New York Times — Topics: Peter G. Fitzgerald collected news and commentary On the Issues — Peter Fitzgerald issue positions and quotes OpenSecrets.org'' — Peter G. Fitzgerald campaign contributions |- |- |- 1960 births Living people 20th-century American lawyers 20th-century American politicians 21st-century American lawyers 21st-century American politicians American bankers Dartmouth College alumni Illinois lawyers Republican Party Illinois state senators People from Cook County, Illinois People from Elgin, Illinois Republican Party