Republican Edgar regrets choice not to run in 2006 race

URBANA – Three years ago, Jim Edgar teared up as he announced he would not challenge Democratic incumbent Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the 2006 gubernatorial race.

He's had moments of regrets ever since – none more than Tuesday, when Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges. Perhaps, Edgar said, "I could have prevented this."

"I really thought Judy Baar Topinka could win that race. I feel bad about that," said Edgar, a Republican who served two terms from 1991 to 1999. But he added, "It probably still was the right decision."

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