U.S. Representative Jerry Costello Won't Seek Re-Election

If this is the case, the Southwestern IL/St. Louis, MO region will be losing a true advocate for transportation and transit.

East St. Louis, IL (KSDK) - Longtime Congressman Jerry Costello (D-Illinois) will not seek re-election in 2012.

Costello, who began serving in August 1988 following a special election, is set to officially announce his decision at 11 a.m. at the St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, Illinois.

He currently serves on the House Committee on Science and Technology and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Illinois' 12th Congressional District stretches across southeastern Illinois, encompassing Alton, Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis and Granite City.

Congressman John Shimkus (R-Illinois) issued the following statement about Costello's retirement:

"This morning I received a call from Congressman Jerry Costello informing me that he has decided to retire from public office as a Member of Congress. This is a great loss for Southern Illinois and a personal loss for me.

"While we hail from different political parties, I have counted Jerry as one of my closest friends and confidants. I have been amazed at the productivity of Jerry in meeting the needs of the working men and women that he represents. In the House majority or in the minority, Jerry always seemed to get the job done. Regardless of who held the White House, Jerry was always able to get the work done.

"Many have heard me call him the patron saint of Scott Air Force Base. Well even patron saints retire, which will cause all of us to work a little harder to fill this gap. To Georgia and the entire Costello clan, thanks for sharing Jerry with me, Southern Illinois, and the country."