* One of the “founding mothers” of Illinois’ modern constitution has passed away…
Former Illinois Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch, a longtime state senator and the first woman to win the Democratic nomination for governor, has died. She was 86.
Netsch died overnight, according to a family friend who answered the phone at Netsch’s home in Lincoln Park. Netsch had disclosed in January that she had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement. There is no known cure, and the disease can lead to near-total paralysis. The average life expectancy for patients is about three to five years from diagnosis, according to the ALS Association. […]
Netsch, an attorney, served as a delegate at the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention and was elected to the state Senate in 1972. She was elected Illinois comptroller in 1990, and she became the first woman to win a major party nomination when Democrats picked her to run for governor in 1994. Netsch was defeated in the general election by Republican Jim Edgar.
* She stomped on the terra…
She made a career of shattering a succession of glass ceilings in what was, not so long ago, a man’s world of law and politics.
She was one of the first female law professors in the United States. A liberal Democrat, she defeated the Machine-backed incumbent state Sen. Danny O’Brien to win a seat in the Illinois Senate in 1972 that she held for 18 years. Elected comptroller in 1990, she was the first woman elected to statewide office in Illinois and, four years later, the first to run with the backing of a major political party for governor, losing to incumbent Gov. Jim Edgar.
Netsch said she “never ran as a woman” but always argued, “More women are needed to make a difference in public policy.”
Wendy Cohen, her one-time chief of staff and dear friend, recalled that despite the onset of her illness, “Dawn thrived on political gossip and a bit of sherry.” And she was sending out donations to a variety of causes up until the end.
She “cared so deeply about civil rights, human rights, women’s rights,” Kerr said.
* Netsch was also a big White Sox fan…
And above all, she loved the White Sox.
We clashed more than once. Actually, pretty much all the time. But her importance to Illinois history cannot be understated. She’s one of our giants and I, for one, will miss her.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon…
”Dawn Clark Netsch was a hero of mine since the early 1980s and a friend and mentor ever since,” Simon said. “We served on the board of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform together and collaborated on reform issues for many years. She was straight forward, a straight shooter and great at explaining state issues. She was not just a public servant, but a teacher. She will be missed.”
…Adding… The Chicago History Museum did an oral history with Ms. Netsch last year. Part One is here.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Equality Illinois…
“Long before it was the politically safe thing to do, there was Dawn Clark Netsch fighting for LGBT rights and giving voice to those who would be silenced. She was never quiet when she felt her voice could make a difference. Her legacy will be our blessing. She will be sorely missed.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka…
“Illinois lost a true legend and trailblazer today with the passing of Dawn Clark Netsch. Dawn faithfully served Illinois and its residents for more than four decades, fighting for good, honest government that rises above politics. In fact, one of the highlights of my legislative career was partnering with her to co-sponsor the state’s Open Meetings Act. She continued her work as State Comptroller, establishing the office as an honest broker and credible source of information when it comes to state finances. And she continued her crusade into retirement, regularly speaking out on the need for government reform and accountability.
“Dawn always remembered that government exists to serve taxpayers, not the other way around. She was a leader who was ahead of her time and our state is better for her service. More than that, she was a consummate professional and a class act. It was my honor to call her a colleague and friend.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** Attorney General Lisa Madigan…
“Dawn Clark Netsch set the standard for integrity in public service. She led by example with relentless honesty, fierce independence and a passionate belief in civil liberty for all. She blazed a trail for women and worked hard to make sure so many of us could follow her. She remained active and engaged in public policy up to the very end, and her unwavering dedication to the People of Illinois will be missed.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** U.S. Representative Mike Quigley…
“Illinois has lost a true trailblazer and political icon with the passing of Dawn Clark Netsch. Dawn leaves behind a long path paved with the shattered glass from the ceilings she broke for women in leadership, as well as a proud history of fighting for the gay community and standing up against public corruption. Dawn was a friend and professional mentor, whose fierce honesty and sharp wit I will deeply miss.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** Gov. Quinn…
“I join with everyone in Illinois to mourn the passing of a great public servant.
“Dawn Clark Netsch was a strong advocate for education and a pioneer for equal rights for all people. As the first woman elected to a statewide constitutional office in Illinois, Comptroller Netsch blazed a trail for women in public office.
“As an elected delegate to the Illinois constitutional convention in 1970, she spearheaded the movement to modernize our constitution. I witnessed firsthand her dedication to honest government when we served together as state treasurer and comptroller.
“Most importantly, Dawn was a straight shooter, and not just at playing pool. She always told the people of Illinois what they needed to know.
“Throughout her life, Dawn Clark Netsch taught us all about the right way to move forward in our democracy. We are all better off because of her purposeful life.”
*** UPDATE 7 *** Secretary of State Jesse White…
“Dawn Clark Netsch was a trailblazer for women, equality and justice,” said Secretary of State Jesse White. “Her legacy will live on through her incomparable career of helping others. In addition to being my friend, I had the added privilege of serving with Dawn in the General Assembly as her state representative while she served as my state senator. She will be missed, and the state of Illinois owes her a debt of gratitude.”
*** UPDATE 8 *** Senate President John J. Cullerton, who was appointed to the Senate to fill out Netsch’s term…
“Because of the success of Dawn Clark Netsch, I began my career in the Illinois Senate. Born on the same day and in the same year as my dear mother, Dawn Clark Netsch has been a mentor throughout my career. As the first woman to run for governor, she has been a motivator for an entire generation of public servants. That is her lasting legacy.
“In one of her final public appearances she received lifetime achievement award for her dedication and service for women and families in the state of Illinois. It was an honor to be among those giving Dawn the proud ovation that she had earned. She was a remarkable reformer with a tremendous career worthy of our recognition and praise.”
*** UPDATE 9 *** Sun-Times editorial…
Till the end, Netsch served on two government commissions, talked with reporters about the best ways to fix the state’s finances, and pushed for a state progressive income tax.
Dawn Clark Netsch, always humorous, whip smart and wonky, showed thousands of Illinois women the way.
*** UPDATE 10 *** House GOP Leader Tom Cross…
“Today we mourn the passing of former Illinois state senator and Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch; a trailblazer for women in state government and an honorable public servant who made substantial contributions to the people of Illinois throughout her long and distinguished career. Dawn will be remembered for her unparalleled passion, integrity and commitment to service both as a public official and a private citizen. She will be greatly missed.”
*** UPDATE 11 *** Congresswoman Cheri Bustos…
“I first met Dawn Clark Netsch when I was in college and she was still in the Illinois State Senate. She was a mentor to young women across Illinois, and I was among her many fans. I looked up to her for her candor and kindness and for speaking with boldness and always with clarity of thought and ideas.
“Dawn Clark Netsch will be sorely missed, especially by the Illinois women in public service like myself for whom she helped pave the way.”
*** UPDATE 12 *** Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno…
“I’d like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of former senator and Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch. Her lifetime was distinguished by countless personal and professional accomplishments, but she will be most remembered for her lifelong commitment to public service and the residents of Illinois.”
*** UPDATE 13 *** Former Gov. Jim Edgar…
“Dawn Clark Netsch was one of our state’s most influential public officials, and she was likely the most influential woman in Illinois state government over the last 50 years. I had the greatest respect for Dawn. She was a brilliant and thoughtful trailblazer and an honest advocate for the best in our government.”
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- Nieva - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 8:57 am:
Nice job Rich.
- Elise - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:02 am:
One of my most favorite people - she served on our advisory council - never missed a meeting - knew what was going on - but was such a “hoot” driving around the Capital - always with a cigarette - if she found us standing in the Capital waiting for a committee - she would put us in her office - give us some coffee - and that laugh - One of the Illinois Greats of all time.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:07 am:
When Edgar had his heart issues she stopped her campaign if I recall, also recall thinking that was a classy move.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:09 am:
She was a mentor to so many and will be deeply missed. Illinois lost a giant today.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:11 am:
I’m sure I’m like many who saw her as “political hero” and someone who got in the game for all the right reasons. Prayers to her family.
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:21 am:
I met with her only a couple of times but was amazed by her intellect. I didn’t always agree with Dawn but she sure had my respect.
- walkinfool - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:21 am:
A life well lived.
- Yossarian Lives - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:27 am:
Rest in peace, Ms. Netsch. As a younger woman involved in state politics and government, I consider her an inspiration.
- jakecp - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:29 am:
She was such a nice lady. She used to shop at Treasure Island in Old Town where I used to work and she used to be friendly with all of the employees. RIP!
- Anonymoose - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:31 am:
A tear is running down my cheek, if only a single ounce of her timeless intellect, class and resolve could be exhibited by our politicians of this era. I hope she gets a statue in the Illinois Capitol rotunda because, agree or disagree with some of her views, the story of Dawn Clark Netsch should be told.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:31 am:
I remember her as Comptroller. She was adorably eccentric and lived a daily life few of us could imagine. Communicating with her was like talking to a rich aunt who saw life in the abstraction. I remember her bringing her little dog to Springfield to visit us and she would walk through the Capitol building like her mind was always elsewhere.
She brought out in a lot of us a level of protection, like we were worried that she might discover that her ideas were not based in reality, but she so clearly and sincerely believed in them, we tried to make them happen anyway. She believed in the ability of government to do what it clearly and repeatedly failed to do
She was immensely likeable. She was our Auntie Mame. Stuff worked for her and she wanted it to work out for us too. We all just couldn’t married wealth, live in wealth, and see the world from her isolated wealthy world.
I liked her. She was a very likeable limousine liberal.
Rest in peace, Auntie Mame.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:39 am:
VM, it’s a good thing this is a blog and not a tavern because if you had spoken those words in my presence you’d be picking your teeth off the floor right now.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:42 am:
Illinois has lost one of the greats.
Dawn Clarke Netsch was the perfect example of someone you may not agree with, but you always respected and admired her, and her work.
I know I can’t do justice to her and her legacy, so I won’t try.
A life well lived.
- Aldyth - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:43 am:
I voted for her.
Peace.
- Kasich Walker, Jr. - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:45 am:
Ain’t anyone gettin’ younger?
- downhereforyears - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:46 am:
She was a good honest person. RIP Dawn.
- downhereforyears - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:46 am:
She was a good and honest person. RIP Dawn.
- Publius - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:51 am:
She was a terrific lady and very helpful to a republican who dealt with her from time to time. Very classy. But the article is wrong about one thing. Under the old constitution, the clerk of the supreme court was elected state-wide. A woman from sangamon county, faye searcy was elected to that office, and thus should be recognized as the first. But that takes nothing away from dawn clark netsch.
- Meanderthal - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:58 am:
She and Walter were both wonderful people. Rest in peace, Dawn.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:01 am:
This is not a time for threats. Show some class.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:08 am:
You’re not exactly an expert on class VM. Auntie Mame? If you find yourself typing limousine liberal on an obit thread, you might want to delete it and spare us your warped idea of a tribute. Discretion really is the better part of valor. You should try it sometime.
- South of I-80 - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:10 am:
I had the pleasure of working with Senator Netsch beginning in the late 70’s, early 80’s. Dawn was Chairperson the Senate Revenue Committee and Paul Vallas was the committee’s staffer, they made a fantastic team. And, as has been said, she possessed such an intellect and class. I will miss her!
- Jake From Elwood - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:16 am:
Thank you Dawn for your public service. You will be missed.
47 and VM.. some decorum please!
- wayward - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:17 am:
Netsch was a pretty good comptroller, IIRC — a lot better than Burris before her or Didrickson after her. So sorry to hear about her passing, but she had a long and impressive life.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:19 am:
My thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Netsch’s family. She will be missed.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:20 am:
I admired her courage and the 200% effort she gave in everything she did for Illinois. My condolences to the family.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:21 am:
===some decorum please! ===
You gotta have one fight at a wake.
lol
Plus, I think DCN might have been amused.
That being said, move along, people.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:26 am:
Did the governor call for flags at half staff, seems appropriate
- langhorne - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:26 am:
i met dawn when i was a junior level staffer in the late 70s. i was pleasantly surprised that she knew my name, and always greeted me warmly whenever she saw me, over the next 30 years. you could always hear her coming from the clanging jewelry she wore. we are all better for her service. RIP
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:28 am:
===Did the governor call for flags at half staff, seems appropriate===
It would be a nice gesture, but Quinn and DCN never got along, going all the way back to his gadfly days. She also endorsed Hynes in the 2010 primary.
- anon sequitor - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:34 am:
Dawn Clark Netsch is one of my all time favorite people and politicians. A policy discussion with her was like a Socratic method seminar, a constant challenge of ideas and viewpoints, trying to find the truth. And a visit to her home when Walter was alive, was an immersion into an extraordinary gallery of modern art, design and architecture where a charming, eccentric and beautiful couple just happened to live. What a place!
God Bless and keep you Dawn. You were a giant among men and women.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:42 am:
Dawn was a Happy Warrior. Like the best of them, no matter the politics, win or lose, she remained an optimist.
She was nobody’s fool, but she was confident in the arc or progess. And she had more brains for breakfast than most folks have all day long.
After Walter needed a wheelchair, the two of them had seats at Cominskey in the last row of the concourse behind home plate.
That’s also my favorite spot to get out of the sun, grab a cold one on tap and scout the pitcher.
Had many a pleasant conversation with the two of them there. They were just incredibly friendly people. You could even sneak a smoke, too, if you were hanging with Dawn.
The snow’s coming down hard and baseball seems like forever away. But I’ll be in Bridgeport to hoist a cold one in the concourse for the both of them as soon as I can.
- Esquire - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:02 am:
In her personal dealings, she was always tried to be polite and courteous. We could use a few more politicians who displayed such manners.
Actually, I have to agree with Vanilla Man. Dawn Clark Netsch’s personal fashion style reminded me of Bea Arthur’s character on the Norman Lear television series “Maude.” She really did like those long sweaters that were so Seventies. Fairly or unfairly, like J. Hamilton Lewis and Paul Simon, she lent herself to stereotyping and some people misread her as a result.
After waiting patiently for an opportunity to run for higher office, Netsch was buried in the 1994 Republican landslide. I think that if she had run in either 1990 or 1998 her vote totals would have been much better. What a difference four years can make. Had she been the nominee in another year, I think that she may have become governor.
- reformer - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:04 am:
No question she was ahead of her time.
* For gay rights before it was so popular that the state GOP chairman got on board.
* Against the death penalty decades before the state agreed with her.
* In favor of an income tax hike to better fund schools. The guy who defeated her paid her tribute by proposing “Netsch II” in 1997.
History will be kind to her.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:13 am:
She was a model public servant and a model Sox fan. I got to know her a little for her work on merit selection of judges, and respected her tremendously.
- Chevy owner/Ford County - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:20 am:
Always a class act.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:44 am:
Even in death, she makes her critics look like vulgar little boys.
Three cheers for a smart & classy dame!
– MrJM
- Anon - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:46 am:
Unless there is a federal proclamation, what authority does the Governor have to lower flags other than this:
(5 ILCS 465/10)
Sec. 10. Death of resident military member, law enforcement officer, or firefighter.
(a) The Governor shall issue an official notice to fly the following flags at half-staff upon the death of a resident of this State killed (i) by hostile fire as a member of the United States armed forces, (ii) in the line of duty as a law enforcement officer, or (iii) in the line of duty as a firefighter: the United States national flag, the State flag of Illinois, and, in the case of the death of the member of the United States armed forces, the appropriate military flag as defined in subsection (b) of Section 18.6 of the Condominium Property Act. Upon the Governor’s notice, each person or entity required by this Act to ensure the display of the United States national flag on a flagstaff shall ensure that the flags described in the notice are displayed at half-staff on the day designated for the resident’s funeral and the 2 days preceding that day.
(b) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs shall notify the Governor of the death by hostile fire of an Illinois resident member of the United States armed forces. The Department of State Police shall notify the Governor of the death in the line of duty of an Illinois resident law enforcement officer. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the Governor of the death in the line of duty of an Illinois resident firefighter. Notice to the Governor shall include at least the resident’s name and Illinois address, the date designated for the funeral, and the circumstances of the death.
(c) For the purpose of this Section, the United States armed forces includes: (i) the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard; (ii) any reserve component of each of the forces listed in item (i); and (iii) the National Guard.
(d) Nothing in this Section requires the removal or relocation of any existing flags currently displayed in the State. This Section does not apply to a State facility if the requirements of this Section cannot be satisfied without a physical modification to that facility.
(Source: P.A. 95-596, eff. 9-11-07; 96-436, eff. 8-14-09.)
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:49 am:
Anon, those are all the “shall” reasons for lowering the flag. Unless I missed something, there are no prohibitions on other reasons.
- Stones - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:56 am:
A total class act. Even if you didn’t like her politics she was respected by both sides of the aisle. She definitely blazed a trail for women in Illinois politics. Dawn will be missed!
- not a teacher - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:38 pm:
I was lucky enough to meet her when I was campaigning for an office. She was one of the reasons that I decided to run in the first place because I thought I could make a difference. She made a difference every day. I think all women can agree that she paved a road for all of us to run on. Thanks Dawn, you will be remembered.
- Jeeves the Cat - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:57 pm:
The BEST legacy for someone who always had a clear and often creative idea for most any problem, a subtle crack at the ready for the self important (delivered with a friendly smile and bright eyes), and honest heartfelt advice for anyone who asked is for those she has once again left behind to follow her volumes of examples. We would all do better with a lot more people following her style of public service, people who cared more about what the work could do for everyone in our state and less about where it could get them personally.
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:10 pm:
Sad to hear. She did her best while she was on this earth to make it a better place for all.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:22 pm:
Does anyone out there have a link to the “pool shot” spot from the governor’s race?
It was a classic. Doesn’t seem to be on You Tube.
- dupage dan - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:43 pm:
I loved that pool room ad she did.
- titan - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:58 pm:
She and I disagreed on a lot of issues (maybe more accurately, we agreed on a lot of “end goals” but not many “routes that would acheive the end goals”).
However, if the rest of the political class in Illinois had half of her level of (a) integrity, (b) intelligence and/or (c) passion for public service, then the state would be far, far better off.
- Anyone Remember? - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:14 pm:
As a voter, I regarded her as one of the politicians less likely to shade the truth.
Also we always appreciate her attempt, sabotaged though it was, to “fix” the pensions in the late 1980s. Before it was fashionable.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:27 pm:
I am glad she gave us an opportunity to tell her how much we appreciated all she’s done. I remain proud of my vote for her.
- Stones - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 4:26 pm:
Cudos to Jim Edgar for classy comments made about a former opponent.
- Dan Bureaucrat - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 5:08 pm:
What did Dawn Clark Netsch and Rich Miller disagree on?!
- DuPage Dave - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 5:58 pm:
God rest her soul. As a low level state nobody I bumped into her a couple of times. She treated me and everyone else more than decently, with a genuine sense of humor. What a laugh she had.
- What is to be done? - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 6:31 pm:
Has anyone done anything for Illinois since Lincoln?
- Way Way Down Here - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 8:56 pm:
I always though she was a natural.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:04 pm:
–Cudos to Jim Edgar for classy comments made about a former opponent.–
Indeed.
Before we move on, I still can’t get over how the 86-year-old Sox fan could crack wise about getting Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
What the what?
I laughed myself silly.
- mokenavince - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:33 pm:
One of the smartest and most likable person’s I have ever met.
- Northern Light - Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 3:15 am:
A pioneer has passed. Just like Mary Lee Leahy, Illinois will never be the same nor see the likes of them again. I was proud to work on her campaigns. We tried to get her to dress more attractively…she wouldn’t have any of it, God Bless Her. She was brilliant and truly an original.