Edgar won't make Senate run

Chicago Tribune ^ | 05/09/03 | Tribune staff reports

[cherry_bomb88]

The Chicago Tribune is reporting this morning that former Gov. Jim Edgar will not run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Peter Fitzgerald.

Tribune Political Editor Rick Pearson says Edgar is telling close associates he will announce his decision later today. Edgar, a Downstate Republican, is saying the timing is not right in his life to make the run.

Edgar's decision follows a telephone call placed last month to the former governor by President Bush, urging him to run for Senate next year after Fitzgerald's surprise announcement that he would not seek re-election.

Officials of the National Republican Senatorial Committee made similar pleas to Edgar. At the time, the former governor said he was seriously considering the request.

Retired from politics and now teaching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Edgar had cited the importance of "making some sacrifices" and taking on unplanned duties to help serve the nation during a time of war. Still, he said he would not be rushed into a decision.

The White House is seeking to strengthen the ticket in Illinois to enhance the prospects for Bush to carry the state in 2004 and to help keep the Senate in GOP hands. A moderate, Edgar had been considered the strongest Republican candidate in Illinois.

He also was seen as someone who could turn around the fortunes of the state Republican Party, badly scarred by scandal resulting from a federal investigation into corruption in the administration of former Gov. George Ryan. Copyright © 2003, Chicago Tribune

[cherry_bomb88]

Maybe this will clear the way for a REAL Republican to run!!!

[cherry_bomb88]

((((((((((((((((ping)))))))))))))))))))))

[cherry_bomb88]

I don't know...I sure hope so!!!!

[JohnnyZ]

Supposedly Jack Ryan is 2nd on the Establishment list. I think he'd be a real good candidate.

[fieldmarshaldj]

*Ping*

Gee, I wonder what happened here ?

[Protagoras]

A moderate liberal, Edgar had been considered the strongest Republican candidate in Illinois.

[cherry_bomb88]

ROTFL

[Kuksool]

IL shall to be certain pick-up for the RATS in the US Senate. Egdar might have something to do with the driver license scandal. After all, he was Secretary of State for 8 years (1982-1990)before Lyin' George Ryan.

[cherry_bomb88]

Gee, I wonder what happened here ?

*Maybe* Edgar lurks in FR and decided he best just stay in Champaign to avoid being fired at! LOL

[Kuksool]

Correction: Egdar = Edgar

[cherry_bomb88]

IL shall to be certain pick-up for the RATS in the US Senate

*smacks ya upside the head* NO negative thinking in here!!! We WILL retain that seat...if I have to run myself...LMAO..kidding, I don't think I'd make a good politician...oh yes, firey hot-tempered "redhead" that fires back at personal remarks and speaks EXACTLY what's on her mind without sugar-coating it sometimes engaging mouth before brain (have to remember it's supposed to be the other way)...that'd go over well!!!!{G} (note sarcasm)

[Protagoras]

ROTFL

Yeah, it's kinda funny, unless you live here with these slugs. You laugh to keep from shooting.

[cookcounty]

OK, who's left? Congressman Paul Kirk would be an automatic (just got off active duty with the Navy last Saturday)....the big negative is that he's basically (if unenthusiastically) pro-abortion.

[unspun]

Thanks. We can keep updated on The Illinois Leader."

.

Also
PLEASE HELP US FIND MERCHANT SEAMAN

[cherry_bomb88]

I DO live here...right in the Burbs....and you're right...you laugh to keep from shooting....Can we import conservatives for the next election??? I mean, this IS Chicago...lol.

[cherry_bomb88]

PLEASE HELP US FIND MERCHANT SEAMAN

Ok...I am SOOOOOOOOOO lost, Unspun.....please help me find my way!!! LOL

[stars & stripes forever]

Our State Representive, Jim Sacia, is one of the sharpest legislators I've seen....Although he is a Freshman Representive, he has credentials and has introduced SEVERAL bills in the house. He is not afraid to speak his mind and stands on principal!

He should be upgraded to a higher office!

[dts32041]

No but his brother George is thinking about running.

[mabelkitty]

YES!!

Voinivich and Snowe didn't do RINOS any favors.

Seems they may be on the extinctions list now that they are hated by both sides of the aisle.