A Coles County native and Eastern graduate, former Governor Jim Edgar, was back in the familiar streets of Mattoon Thursday night to endorse Chapin Rose, Republican candidate for state representative.

“It always fun to come home,” Edgar said.

Edgar, who’s known to many as “Coles County’s favorite son,” announced Thursday he would endorse Rose, who grew up in Charleston and is running for representative of the state’s new 110th district that encompasses Coles County among others.

“Anytime we get a bright, new face to step up, I think we should all step up,” Edgar said.

Speaking to crowd of Rose supporters that included State Rep. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, who is running for state senator, Edgar talked of the tough year for the Republican party and the need for more support and votes for their candidates.

“We need to convince Republicans that we have good candidates like Chapin Rose,” he said. “We need Chapin in the house.”

Moreover, Edgar said without push for more votes and, thus, more Republicans in office, there will be a continued lack of interest in Coles County and its interests.

“If votes don’t turn around here, people won’t know what Coles County is,” he said. “I’m not ready to give up and I hope you’re not either.”

By endorsing Rose, Edgar said, he is continuing the push for more Republicans in office.

“We need the best team from East Central Illinois,” he said. “I think we’re all putting a good investment in the future when we vote for Chapin Rose.”

Rose, who also spoke Thursday, said he was looking forward to taking a seat in Springfield that was formerly Edgar’s. Rose is running on a number of issues that include education finance reform, property tax relief, affordable health care and support for higher education.

“It’s a real honor and privilege to have (Edgar) here today,” he said. “This is your seat, and I hope I can stay in good graces here, governor. I look forward to doing a good job in Springfield.”