Ex-Ill. gov: State needs Blagojevich saga over

[August 11, 2010]  CHAMPAIGN (AP) -- The only one of Illinois' last three former governors who hasn't been indicted says the state's image and its finances have been hurt by the sagas of Rod Blagojevich and the preceding governor.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar says Illinois needs the Rod Blagojevich trial done with so it can focus on long-ignored problems like a gaping budget deficit.

A jury is considering corruption charges against Blagojevich. Former Gov. George Ryan was convicted in 2006.

Edgar tells The Associated Press that he thinks the Blagojevich case has done more damage than Ryan's. He says the case has secured Illinois' place as one of or the most politically corrupt states. He says it's almost like New Jersey's been relegated to second place, and Louisiana's on injured reserve.

[Associated Press; By DAVID MERCER]

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