 Edgar's endorsement appears to have everything to do with what he
believes Gov. Pat Quinn lacks, rather than the Bloomington senator's
capabilities."We've had ... 18 months of Gov. Quinn and I just
don't think managing is necessarily his suit. I think he means well,
but I just don't think that's what he's cut out to do," Edgar said
Wednesday, following a lecture at the University of Illinois at
Chicago. "Whereas Bill Brady, we don't know for sure; he hasn't been
governor. He has some business experience. I'm willing to take a
chance there, too."
Edgar's endorsement is partly tied to the rapid change in
Illinois' political landscape. If Bill Brady is able to secure the
top office of the executive branch, the state would likely have a
bipartisan government -- something unseen since George Ryan presided
over a Democratic General Assembly in 2002. Edgar thinks that is a
recipe for success in a time of crisis.
"One-party rule hasn't worked well in Illinois. We've had it for
basically the last eight years and we're in worse shape than we were
eight years ago," Edgar said. "It's been my experience that,
particularly in tough times, you've got to make tough decisions, you
got to have a bipartisan effort. One party is not going to do all of
those unpopular things."
Brady, a state senator from Bloomington, has called attention to
Edgar's endorsement as he works to attract moderate Republican
voters. Edgar is the most recent governor to maintain a positive
legacy amid the corruption convictions that sullied the reputations
of his successors, Republican George Ryan and Democrat Rod
Blagojevich.
Brady has made the endorsement top news on his website. He made
no secret of his happiness with it following the first public
gubernatorial debate on Wednesday.
"Needless to say we were both anxious to get it out," Brady said.
"He realizes that the failed management of Pat Quinn is a path we
can't continue to kick the can down the road on, so I'm very honored
to have Gov. Edgar's endorsement."
In the Republican primary, Edgar endorsed Hinsdale state Sen.
Kirk Dillard, whom Brady narrowly defeated. Edgar said last spring
that he would vote for Brady, but he withheld a public endorsement
until this week.
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Voters have heard Edgar's name frequently on the campaign trail
-- albeit in a much different context. Quinn has highlighted Edgar's
criticism of Brady's proposed 10 percent across-the-board cuts to
the budget as the governor works to raise the state income tax
without damaging his chances in November.
Quinn stood by his criticism, though he said he was not surprised
by the endorsement.
"I like Jim Edgar, but I know he's gonna be on the other side,"
he said. "I think he has said very clearly that getting through our
budget situation requires cuts -- and we've made them, $3 billion --
but it also requires revenue for important things like education."
Edgar downplayed his disagreements with Brady during the primary.
"I don't think people ought to be shocked that a former governor
may have a different view on some issues than a candidate for
governor, but, overall, you're looking at these two candidates. I
think Bill Brady is the best person to be governor going into these
next four years," he said.
Edgar has yet to join Brady on the campaign trail, nor did he
issue his endorsement at the senator’s side.
Brady emphasized that there was no distance between the former
primary rivals.
"Gov. Edgar and I both live a very hectic schedule," he said.
"I'm sure Gov. Edgar and I will be together in the public eye before
this election is over."
Brady and Quinn met for their first public debate at the Union
League Club of Chicago on Wednesday morning. (See
article on the debate.)
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By BILL McMORRIS]
 |
