Judy Baar Topinka died early Wednesday after complications from a stroke. (Photo courtesy Illinois Radio Network)
By The Associated Press
CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he's "heartbroken" about the death of state Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.
Topinka died early Wednesday after suffering a stroke. The Democratic Quinn called longtime Republican Topinka "a trailblazer in every sense of the word." Quinn remembered Topinka's "signature sense of humor" and says he lost a friend who will be "incredibly missed."
Quinn says the state of Illinois is mourning “the loss of one of the greats.'' He also called her a "force of nature.'' Quinn said Topinka's leadership "paved the way for countless women in politics."
Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno says Topinka was one of the first politicians she ever became aware of. She remembered her as an articulate, independent thinker.
Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner says state Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka “had a servant's heart, always only caring about what was best for the people.'' Rauner says Topinka had a magnetic, one-of-a-kind personality that brought a smile to everyone she met. He called Topinka a tremendous friend.
The Illinois Republican Party says the state lost `a legend' with Topinka's death. State GOP chairman Tim Schneider says Topinka was a trailblazer, leader and treasure to the state after spending more than three decades in Illinois politics. Schneider says Topinka was a "groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind leader" with a "heart of gold." Politically, he says, she cared about saving money and was an advocate for animals and the military.
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford told WJBC's Scott Laughlin, Topinka was colorful but passionate and had a way to connect with the public.
"She would relate to regular people and that's part of the legacy and power of what Judy is going to leave behind," Rutherford said.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says the Illinois political scene has lost its "Polka Queen." Durbin says Topinka was one of a kind. He says "in a political world of cocker spaniels she could be a bulldog taking a bite out of both Democrats and right-wing Republicans without missing a beat." He says he lost a friend. The Democratic senator also says Topinka "lit up the room with her quick wit and boundless energy."
Gay rights group Equality Illinois says in a Wednesday statement that Topinka demonstrated political labels shouldn't be a barrier to reaching out to all citizens. Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov called Topinka a leader in supporting issues important to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. He said she endorsed same-sex marriage in Illinois and even offered to be a flower girl for any same-sex couple that would have her. Cherkasov also said Topinka opened her office to Equality Illinois' delegation on the group's annual Springfield lobbying days. He says she also attended Chicago's Pride Parade and the group's annual galas.
