CHICAGO - Two former GOP governors are endorsing state Sen. Kirk Dillard in the 2014 gubernatorial primary, saying he's the only Republican who can win the general election.

Former Governors Jim Edgar and Jim Thompson sent a letter earlier this week to all GOP county and township chairmen and ward committeemen asking them to support Dillard. They say the Hinsdale legislator is a seasoned campaigner and the only candidate who ''can take the fight to the entrenched Democrats that dominate the state capitol.''

Dillard served as Edgar's chief of staff. Dillard narrowly lost the 2010 GOP primary to state Sen. Bill Brady, who went on to lose to Gov. Pat Quinn.

Dillard faces Brady, state Treasurer Dan Rutherford and businessman Bruce Rauner in the 2014 primary.

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