* Press release…
The following statement was released by the family of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar:
“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved husband, father and grandfather Jim Edgar passed away this morning in Springfield from complications related to treatment for pancreatic cancer. We are deeply grateful for the love, support and kindness so many have shown to Jim and our family over these last several months.”
The family will share additional information about services in the coming days.
This post will be updated.
…Adding… Senate Minority Leader Curran…
Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) released the following statement on the passing of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar:
“I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. His legacy of common sense, bipartisan leadership will continue on through his many accomplishments here in Illinois.”
* Tribune…
Jim Edgar, the two-term Republican governor who guided Illinois through much of the 1990s with a low-key yet intense persona and a meticulous focus on fiscal matters aimed at preparing the state for the 21st century, died Sunday. He was 79.
Edgar died in Springfield, where he had been hospitalized due to an adverse reaction to treatment for the pancreatic cancer that he had been diagnosed with in January friends and associates said. […]
He fulfilled a politically risky campaign promise to make permanent a temporary increase in the state’s income tax for education. He also engaged in severe budget slashing, exhorting lawmakers to tear up the state’s “credit card” after years of passing pork-barrel projects.
Four years later, he defeated Democratic state Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch in one of the state’s largest electoral landslides, capturing 64% of the vote, winning by more than 900,000 ballots and taking 101 of the state’s 102 counties, including Cook County. Netsch narrowly won tiny Gallatin County in downstate Illinois.
* Crain’s…
Born in Vinita, Okla., and raised in Charleston, Ill., Edgar was the son of a single mother after his father died in a car accident. He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he met his wife, Brenda, and later began a career in state politics as a legislative intern. After a failed bid for the Illinois House in 1974, he won election in 1976 and went on to serve two terms before being appointed secretary of state in 1981. In that role, he championed tougher drunken-driving laws and mandatory auto insurance.
Elected governor in 1990 to succeed Jim Thompson, Edgar inherited a recession and nearly a $1 billion deficit. He fought through a months-long budget impasse, preserved a temporary income-tax surcharge, and led Illinois during the Great Flood of 1993, the costliest natural disaster in state history. His first term also saw initiatives in prenatal care and early childhood education.
After undergoing quadruple bypass surgery in 1994, Edgar returned to win reelection by a wide margin over Democrat Dawn Clark Netsch. In his second term, he focused on schools, child welfare and government reform, often citing Chicago school reform as his proudest achievement. He also sparred with Mayor Richard M. Daley over the fate of Meigs Field, casino gambling and a proposed domed stadium for the Chicago Bears. […]
In retirement, Edgar remained active in civic and political life, often teaching, advising and weighing in on state finances. He became an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, calling him “the biggest disaster we’ve ever had in American government,” and later campaigned with Republicans who crossed party lines to back Kamala Harris. Earlier this year, he revealed he was battling metastatic pancreatic cancer, though he continued to make public appearances.
* SoS Giannoulias…
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias on the passing of former Governor Jim Edgar
Jim Edgar was an amazing man and an incredible public servant. More importantly, he was a great friend and advisor to me. His leadership will be missed, his friendship even more so. My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family.
Jim spoke frequently about the importance of the ‘Three C’s’: Civility, Compromise and Compassion – words that resonate more than ever today. Together, he believed they served as the foundation of a healthy democracy, knowing that as Americans, we work best when we collaborate and work out our differences, show compassion toward those who need help, and treat one another with respect and dignity. For Jim, compromise was not surrender; compassion was not weakness; and civility was not placation. Together, these principles give us the space to stand firm in our beliefs and to speak passionately without being disrespected, dehumanized or attacked.
As we mourn his death, we can honor Jim by choosing to believe that - regardless of our differences - a better world is possible through kindness. While the need for a civil, a collaborative and a compassionate political climate is more important than ever with today’s polarizing politics – the duty and responsibility of restoring the Three Cs begins with each one of us.
* Gov. Pritzker…
Today, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement:
“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.”
* LG Stratton…
Statement from Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Following Passing of Former Governor Jim Edgar
“Former Governor Jim Edgar was a man of principle and a passionately dedicated civil servant. He saw past political divides and emphasized the importance of unity in leadership by making a point to always extend his hand across the aisle. He was practical, gave great advice, and did everything he could to build up the next generation of future leaders so that Illinois can continue to grow.
“I was part of the 2016 Edgar Fellows cohort, a program developed by Governor Edgar to strengthen Illinois’ future by preparing young leaders for the world ahead. Together, we worked to embody some of the tenets that made Governor Edgar such a strong leader: listen to understand, speak to be understood, and operate in a way that makes clear disagreements do not have to be disrespectful. When he invited me to become a member of the Edgar Fellows Advisory Board, I was honored to accept. Now, I have the privilege of sharing his steady perspective and deep care with future leaders.
“Today, I send my deepest condolences to the love of his life, Brenda, and their entire family. His legacy is one of lasting impact.”—Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
* Darren Bailey…
Darren Bailey is issuing the following statement on the passing for former Governor Jim Edgar.
“Please join Cindy and me in keeping the family of Governor Jim Edgar in your prayers. While we certainly found ourselves on opposite sides of issues from time to time, I have always had a tremendous respect for the decades of public service he gave to the people of Illinois.
From his time as Secretary of State to his two terms as Governor, Jim Edgar led with a steady hand and a deep commitment to the institutions of our state. He was a man of integrity and strong moral character who dedicated his career to public service. His contributions to Illinois will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss. We are grateful for his years of leadership and the example of service he leaves behind.”
* Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter…
The Chicago Labor Movement mourns the loss of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a true statesman who understood the importance of working across the aisle to deliver for Illinoisans. While I attended Eastern Illinois University studying Political Science in the mid-1990’s, I was always struck by the significance of the sitting governor as an alumni of the same university. And his legacy will continue to thrive through his Edgar Fellows program. A program designed to bring Republicans and Democrats together to learn how to work together after elections are won or lost. As a 2017 graduate of the program, I’ve learned important lessons and made incredible friendships because of Governor Edgar’s leadership.
* Treasurer Michael Frerichs…
Gov. Edgar was a gentleman and a statesman. He broke with his party when he felt it was right for the state. He didn’t put partisanship above the state.
He bravely faced health challenges and did not stop serving Illinois once his time in office ended. Gov. Edgar worked to bring people together across the aisle to learn about policy and share good ideas.
I was honored to be part of the inaugural class of Edgar Fellows in 2012. We related to each other as Downstaters. He was always open to discussing and offering advice or help, and I am grateful for that and his service to Illinois.
* Jen Walling, Illinois Environmental Council…
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Jim Edgar, whose legacy as a steward of Illinois’ lands, waters, and natural resources will be felt for generations. Throughout his leadership, he dramatically expanded recycling programs and preserved more land than any governor before him—including the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie—and championed Conservation 2000, investing $100 million in conservation, water quality, and open space. His vision and partnership with the Illinois Environmental Council ensured that environmental concerns were heard in Springfield and translated into lasting policy change. To his family, friends, and all who admired his work, we extend our deepest condolences.
* Sen. McClure…
State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) released the following statement on the passing of former Governor Jim Edgar:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Edgar. As one of our greatest governors, he increased adoptions of foster children by 500 percent, reformed welfare, and heightened sentences for murderers and sex offenders. I first met him when I was a young man while my mother was serving as his director of personnel at the Secretary of State’s Office. Governor Edgar is one of the people that inspired me to enter into public service. He worked tirelessly to encourage the next generation of leaders and was always available to speak with the high school students taking part in my Youth Advisory Council. I was honored to be an Edgar Fellow. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Brenda Edgar and the entire Edgar family.”
* Former Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra…
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.
* Former Gov. Quinn…
Gov. Pat Quinn has issued the below statement on the passing of Gov. Jim Edgar:
“Gov. Jim Edgar was a good and decent man who cared deeply about the people of Illinois. He believed in property tax reform and a quality education for everyone.
“May God rest his immortal soul.”
* Speaker Welch…
House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch released the following statement Sunday following news of the passing of Gov. Jim Edgar:
“Some people run for office to be something, and some people run for office to DO something.”
“Illinois is grateful to Governor Jim Edgar for doing something good during his two terms in office. He restored credibility to our state government, and he was always a true statesman who worked across the aisle with both parties. I could not be more proud to call myself an Edgar Fellow.
“With the passing of Gov. Edgar earlier today, we lost a good man, a good friend and a damn good governor. May his memory be a blessing.”
* US Rep. Budzinski…
Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on the passing of Former Illinois Governor, Jim Edgar.
“Governor Edgar was a mentor, true public servant, and dear friend. He led Illinois with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of our state.
“As a graduate of the University of Illinois’ Edgar Fellows program, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand how Governor Edgar brought people together. He had a rare gift for bridging divides, encouraging voices from all perspectives, and helping us discover common ground on even the most difficult issues.
“Governor Edgar was a voice of reason, a champion of civility, and an unwavering advocate for collaboration. In today’s era of division and political turmoil, his example of steady leadership and his voice of wisdom will be profoundly missed.
“My thoughts are with his wonderful family, especially Brenda, Brad and Elizabeth, along with our entire state as we mourn his passing and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
