Former two-term governor Jim Edgar (1991-1999) declined to run for his former position today.  This certaintly hurts the Republican's chances of defeating Blogojevich in 2006.  

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-050930edgar,1,1749824.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrac k=1&cset=true

It appears that the Republican's best hope currently is state Treasuer Judy Barr Topinka.  

"Edgar, however, said his choice for Republican nominee was current Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, a social moderate who is far from certain to enter the race and may seek re-election instead. Topinka, the lone statewide Republican officeholder, said in a statement that she "will have a decision very shortly" after evaluating a race over the next few days."

Say what you will about Blago, but I'll take him over any Republican anyday of the week.