Former Gov. Edgar Supporting LaHood In 18th District Primary

Will Stevenson -- Illinois Radio Network

Former Gov. Jim Edgar is throwing his support behind State Sen. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) in the Republican primary next month for the special congressional election.

Edgar, who says he lives in the 18th District, says LaHood has what's needed for the job. "Darin has strong beliefs, and I admire that. I don't always agree with him on everything, but I don't agree with everyone anyway in politics," Edgar said today (Monday) in Springfield. "What is crucial in this day and age is we elect people who have the character and common sense to be in public office, and Darin has that."

Edgar cites time LaHood spent as an Edgar fellow at the University of Illinois years ago, and how he was able to work with people from both sides of the aisle, and from all parts of the state.

LaHood says Edgar was what government should be. "Whether it's fiscal responsibility or whether it's ethics and transparency in government, or working across party lines to get things done, he did that," LaHood said. "He exemplified that in his service as governor."

There are two other Republicans running in the July 7 primary -- Mike Flynn, and former corrections worker Donald Reints.