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| Edgar endorses Dillard in governor's race |
| 2009-10-13 |
| Former Gov. Jim Edgar Monday endorsed Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale in the crowded Republican primary field for governor. Edgar said his former chief of staff has the experience to deal with the state's tough financial situation, a situation the state also faced when Edgar was elected in 1990. "One party rule does not work," Edgar said, a reference to Democratic domination of the governor's office, House and Senate. Edgar said he is not opposed to a state tax increase, but said it has to be preceded by budget cuts to convince the public the state is doing its best to be frugal. He said those cuts have to be significant. "You could cut all of the waste and it won't make a dent," Edgar said. "You have to make people mad." He also called it "foolish or irresponsible" for a candidate to announce opposition to a tax increase fromn the start. Dillard said he would focus on cutting Medicaid costs which are now the state's largest expenditure. In attendance at the announcement were Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield and Sangamon County Republican Party chairman Tony Libri. All three said they have not made a formal endorsement in the primary contest. Other Republicans announced or considering a run include DuPage County Board chairman Bob Schillerstrom, activist Dan Proft, Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, former Republican state party chairman Andrew McKenna, businessman Adam Andrzejewski and former Attorney General Jim Ryan. |
| Posted by:Fred |