Former GOP Gov. Edgar lauds Obama win

SPRINGFIELD - Former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar supported John McCain for president but said he's been moved by Democrat Barack Obama's historic victory.

"It was really neat to see an African-American president of the United States," Edgar told a lunch crowd gathered to hear him speak just blocks from the Capitol.

"I just think all Americans ought to savor this moment, because we've done pretty good," the former two-term Illinois governor said.

Edgar was doing political analysis on Election Night in Chicago and said the Grant Park victory scene was stunning.

"It was the most festive feeling I've ever experienced in Chicago," Edgar said, adding that he didn't vote for Obama. "It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I've ever spent in Chicago."

As for what Obama's presidency might mean for Illinois, Edgar said state leaders shouldn't expect to be flooded with political favors and federal cash, but it will help to have an Illinoisan in the White House.

"No matter how high you go," Edgar said, "you never forget where you started."

Edgar has made a tradition of providing postelection observations for the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairs.