The American Spectator

In fact, Blagojevich’s campaign has already attacked Edgar’s right flank. In a widely reported column in the political newsletter, “CapitolFax,” spokesman Peter Giangreco offered a devastating critique of Edgar. He pointed out that Edgar took the largest tax increase in Illinois history, made it permanent, and asked working people to sacrifice rather than reduce spending. “By contrast,” stated Giangreco, “Rod Blagojevich said he wouldn’t raise the income or sales tax, and despite inheriting a budget deficit from George Ryan that was 13 times worse than what Edgar faced, he kept his word.”

Republicans pining for Edgar believe that Edgar’s “good government” credentials will be enough to defeat Blagojevich. After all, the Chicago Democrat is plagued by corruption; has alienated swing areas of the state; and is a lightweight who governs by press release.

While this makes Blagojevich vulnerable, it doesn’t guarantee victory. Jim Edgar’s tax record; the Republican establishment’s own scandals (former Republican Governor George Ryan goes on trial this week); and the alienation of the base that Edgar would exacerbate are hardly a recipe for victory, either.

Announced candidates businessman Jim Oberweis, State Senators Bill Brady and Steve Rauschenberger are all talking tax cuts and limited but effective government — things that motivate the base. These three have the ability to revitalize the wider Republican coalition of conservative grass roots activists as well as traditional rank-and-file party members. By making any primary against Edgar a referendum on the Republican’s pro-tax stance, they have an opportunity — win or lose in the general election — to save the Republican Party from itself and finally make it into the successful party of Reagan.

Jim Edgar, on the other hand, is a step backward to when government grew automatically and taxes always rose. Illinois Republicans now have an opportunity to reject this statist history once and for all.