Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, a Republican, passed away yesterday after fighting pancreatic cancer. He was 79 years old.
Edgar first ran for Governor in 1990, winning the first of two terms in the office. Edgar defeated Steve Baer in the Republican primary and was then elected in a close race against his popular Democratic opponent, Illinois Attorney General Neil Hartigan.
In Republican landslide year of 1994, Edgar defeated conservative challenger Jack Roeser in the Republican primary, and was re-elected by a wide margin carrying 101 of the state’s 102 counties in the General election against Democratic opponent, state comptroller and former state senator Dawn Clark Netsch. In that election, Edgar led a Republican sweep capturing both houses of the state legislature and all statewide offices, putting him in a very strong political position. He advocated increases in funding for education along with cuts in government employment, spending and welfare programs.
A protégé of Illinois Senate Republican leader W. Russell Arrington and then GOP Governor Jim Thompson, Edgar was known for his bipartisan approach to governance, eliciting accolades from both sides of the aisle. After being appointed by Thomson to replace Illinois Secretary of State Alan Dixon in January 1981, Edgar diverged from past practices in the office by keeping many of the Democratic employees hired by his predecessor. He would later comment on his decision by saying “to me, the best politics is good government” and that as long as the employees did their jobs, he had no interest in firing them regardless of political affiliation.
After ending his time in elected office, Edgar pursued mainly academic interests, becoming a distinguished fellow of the Institute of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Praise for Edgar has come in from across the political spectrum.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (Dem): “MK and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a model public servant, a devoted father and husband, and an honest and honorable man.
“I was lucky enough to consider him a friend and mentor and have found myself drawing from his words of wisdom on countless occasions. His commitment to reaching across the aisle in service of the people of Illinois undeniably made our state better.
“Now more than ever, we should channel that spirit and resolve to live as Governor Edgar did: with honesty, integrity, and an enduring respect for all.
“He will live on in the incalculable number of lives he touched and in the stronger institutions he helped build. To honor his legacy, I will direct flags across Illinois to half-staff.
“My thoughts are with Brenda, Brad, Elizabeth, and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing.”
Senator Dick Durbin (Dem): “Illinois has lost a quality governor and I have lost a great friend.”
Former Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra (Rep): “It was an honor to serve as Jim Edgar’s Lieutenant Governor. By any standard, he was a Republican whose integrity guided his time in office and who managed one of the most successful periods in Illinois state government.
“A student of history, he learned from those who came before him and now leaves a legacy with the Edgar Fellows he created to inspire and prepare future generations of Illinois leaders. Kathy and I send our deepest sympathy to Brenda and to Brad and Elizabeth and their families.”
U.S. Rep. Darrin LaHood (Rep): “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a shining example of public leadership exemplified by his integrity, thoughtfulness and humility. His legacy is defined by a life-long determination and commitment to better the lives of all Illinoisans.
“He was a mentor and model public servant to many. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Brenda, Brad, Elizabeth and the entire Edgar family during this difficult time. It was an honor to have known him and called him a friend and mentor. I was proud to be part of the 2013 Edgar Fellows Program. RIP Governor Edgar.”
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (Rep): “It is with deep sadness that I join Illinoisans in mourning the passing of Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a dedicated public servant who led with independence, humility, and a genuine commitment to bringing people together.
“Throughout his distinguished career, he worked tirelessly to build bridges across party lines, strengthen Illinois’ fiscal foundation, and put the needs of our citizens ahead of politics. His steady leadership and principled example earned respect from Republicans and Democrats alike.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Brenda, his family, and all who loved and admired him.
“May he rest in peace!”
