Pounce Online

Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Arts and Entertainment

Former governor Jim Edgar speaks before a nearly packed Buzzard Auditorium last Tuesday on his track from Old Main to the Governor's Mansion. (Seth Miller/Pounce Online)

Click here to listen to Edgar's speech!

Jim Edgar spoke at Eastern the same year his wife was able to graduate.

This is just one thing students heard from the former governor upon his visit to Eastern on Tuesday night.

Edgar also told members of the audience, which ranged from students to State Senator Dale Righter, the lessons he has learned along the road to becoming governor.

Edgar told the audience to not believe what people tell them, by way of story in an elementary school election. Edgar was told that he could not win the election.

Edgar has also learned to not take things for granted. This he learned from the same election when he was told he had nailed down an election basis.

Edgar also told the crowd to take help from other people sometimes. Edgar had a lot of help along the way, from knowing the right people to getting into college. He could not have gone many places in life without the help of other people.

After discussing these lessons, Edgar took questions from the audience.

Question and Answer porton:

Q: Kevin Kenealy, Pounce Editor- Did you have a long term idea or goal in the back of your head for your career?

Jim Edgar: In my case, I plot out things years ahead. Most people that know me will tell you that. I was elected to my first office in second grade. By third grade I knew I wanted to be in politics.

Most people in politics aren't that way. A lot of people get there accidentally. In their later life, something in their community isn't going well and they get in. They do fine too.

I think it varies from person to person whether they're politics, journalism or whatever. One of the things is you have to have some opportunities. I was fortunate. I had some bumps but I had more opportunities than I did bumps.

I was able to get to my goal. I am sure there are several people in my generation who wouldn't be governor. So, sometimes you don't get the breaks. It varies from person to person. In my case I kind of knew. I was kind of driven. Make sure you're prepared for anything that will come along.

Q: How do you think Rod Blagojevich runs Illinois? - A Journalism Student

Jim Edgar: Well, we have different styles. I think it has been more of a political thing, but Democrats are just as mad as Republicans at things.

I think Rod Blagojevich has a great opportunity. An awful lot of politics is timing. Coming along at the right time is important. It also tends to help who you follow. It is best to follow someone who has kind of messed up.

I'm not here to pass judgment on George Ryan. I personally don't think he would do something illegal. The definite perception is that George Ryan has messed up.

People were happy with him. Those were some of the lowest job approval ratings we have seen in the state. Besides Rod Blagojevich. He really had the opportunity to come in and clean up, get the state back on the crystal track.

Everyone blames George Ryan. I think Rod Blagojevich could have really gotten things back on track. He blew a great opportunity. I think Blagojevich kind of wanted to show whose boss. Now, I think he's missed the opportunity.

Q: Jeff Melanson, Student Senate member: For someone who is just starting out, what do you suggest who doesn't have the money to really get into politics?

Jim Edgar: First of all don't start out in that top position. What I always tell students is to get involved. Get involved in one of the two parties.

If you can't be a republican, be a democrat. We have a two-party system. Both parties are vital. It gives you a choice on Election Day. I learned the hard way. I spent time out in the community.

You can only learn politics by getting involved, not in the classroom. In politics, it tends to be a two-step election. It is a primary election first and then a general election.

If you start out, learn the process, and the money will follow. If they think you've got a chance at winning, you'd be surprised how much money you can raise.

I used to say that money didn't guarantee you an election. Don't avoid getting involved in politics because you don't think you can run the money. If you are good, you can raise the money.

Q: What is your proudest moment as governor? Justin Rose - Sophomore Special Education Major

Jim Edgar: I think I'm most proud of the fact that we took Illinois from the bottom to the top in adoptions. You think about what government's about about, and its something that helps people.

Who is more important to help than the children? My father was killed when I was younger, so I was raised by my mother. I was fortunate to have that loving environment.

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