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* Two years ago Saturday I got a call in the middle of the night telling me that Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka had died. Everyone who knew her was shocked. She just seemed so indestructible.
Her untimely death undoubtedly changed the course of Illinois history. While she was a good Republican, she would’ve undoubtedly stood up to newly elected Gov. Bruce Rauner’s constant demands for “right to work” and other anti-union legislation, providing a balance to that party which simply doesn’t exist these days. I also believe she would’ve sharply criticized the Democrats for obstructionism, bringing some sensible balance to that fight as well.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it until I no longer have breath in my body: Never before in the history of any state has the death of a comptroller had such tragic consequences.
I miss you, Judy. Illinois misses you, too…
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:22 am
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Agree 100%
I met her way back and was struck by her straight shooting style. So unlike most politicians.
Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:29 am
She was definitely one-of-a-kind.
RIP.
Comment by Chicago_Downstater Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:37 am
Judy Baar Topinka is the missing element right now Illinois needs. As selfish as that is for Illinois, her impact on the lives of all that met and knew her is truly where the void that can’t filled exists.
Judy Baar Topinka was never afraid to say what she thought, and her goals were always for a better Illinois. Right now no side can claim either one of traits, and Illinois is worse off for it.
Those closest to Judy Baar Topinka are in my thoughts, and all of us in Illinois need to start thinking and being more like her, and remember that we can be the ones to honor her legacy by trying to say what needs to be said, and keep Illinois first in our minds as compromise must start prevailing.
Rest in Peace, Judy Baar Topinka
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:39 am
So sad to think where we would be had she been elected Governor in 2006 versus what happened. I know it’s been said over and over again here, but I can’t help but think about it every time I hear her name or see her photo. I can’t help but think she would have made some tough decisions to put us back on track. And knowing Judy, she might have been able to do it and get re-elected because of it! End of day-dreaming. Back to the ugly reality…
Comment by LessAnon? Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:44 am
She was and remains a charming, lovable character with real fiscal substance and political wisdom.
Comment by AJ_yooper Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:44 am
She was bigger than the Office of the Comptroller. Heck - she was larger than life.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:56 am
I knew Judy, not well, but well enough to know I could always trust what she said.
Comment by perry noya Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:56 am
As has been said by many, She was one of the BEST in IL politics of all time. We miss her abilities something awful!!! I can’t help but think how we need someone like her right now in our state. Rest in Peace, JBT.
Comment by Big Joe Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:58 am
JBT was indeed a unique combination of responsible leadership and compassion for the well being of the entire state. These traits are badly lacking at all levels of our sorry state today.
Rich and Willy are exactly right. Her passing has had a tremendous impact on the the crisis so many agencies and institutions now find themselves facing.
Comment by illini Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:58 am
I didn’t know JBT well, but liked and respected her a lot.
I was 21 (19 years ago) the first time I met Judy at a State Fair political event. She ruffled my hair and told me I reminded her of her son. A few years later I became a lobbyist and the first time I walked in her office, with a client, she did the same thing. And did it almost every time we crossed paths after that. Then we’d get to business and she’d sometimes get to bluntly tell the guy who reminded her of her son that he was out of luck. For someone who isn’t a touchy feely kind of guy, it always made me smile. This kind of summed her up for me…she was entirely comfortable in her own skin and would unequivocally let you know where she stood.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 10:05 am
Honest and fair, plus, she was a hoot!
Comment by Way Way Down Here Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 10:12 am
Loved working with her. From her first day in the House, she was a joy to work with.
Illinois lost a treasure that we can never replace.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 10:12 am
A good, good woman who told it like is was. She is definitely missed.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 10:25 am
My father spoke of her in his most glowing terms. He is a salty dog, and him calling her a “tough old broad” amounts to praise and admiration without equal.
Strangely enough, it is when those who do things right pass that I become hopeful that another who does right will come along.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 10:25 am
Once in a century you get one like this. The things she endured here with utter grace, humor and humility…
You deserve your place in Heaven Judy. Czech Mate!
Comment by A guy Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 10:38 am
Great piece, Rich. Judy was one of a kind. She came to politics and started to earn her reputation at a different time– which she then maintained throughout her public service. There will never be another Judy. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if another Judy-ish politician could come along? soon? They could be either a Democrat or a Republican–just own some principles and always put Illinois (not themselves or their party) first and foremost. They wouldn’t even necessarily need to play the accordion if they could express their joy in another charming way!
Comment by Responsa Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 11:50 am
Judy was one of a kind. The best of the very best.
A true Illinois giant.
Comment by Mokenavince Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 11:56 am
I miss her too! I had a General Assembly scholarship from her while attending college back in the ’80’s. I truly appreciated that I was able to get that through good grades and financial need, unlike the case with many congresspeople who apparently gave them out as political favors. I’d stop by her office and personally thank her during summer breaks and she was always so appreciative of that - she said nobody else would stop by like I did. And I truly enjoyed seeing her because she was such a colorful character and a warm person!
Comment by BigDoggie Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 11:56 am
Never without a cigarette. Rip
Comment by Marlboro man Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 12:48 pm
She was one of a kind and will always be part of the Capitol lore. RIP JBT we miss you.
Comment by the Cardinal Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 12:57 pm
She was a great person and is still missed. I can’t help but wonder about the things she might have accomplished in a different time and position.
Comment by Downstate43 Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 2:06 pm
No disrespect intended, but some Republicans would dispute Topinka’s credentials as a “good Republican.” She was popular and attracted cross over votes, but she never behaved like a straight ticket party loyalist.
She was awfully chummy with Democrats (sometimes to the detriment of other GOP candidates) and devoted to George Ryan. She was no friend of US Senator Peter Fitzgerald. Barack Obama’s campaign for the US Senate received a significant boost when the fiasco concerning Republican nominee Jack Ryan occurred and Judy passed on every substitute candidate until Alan Keyes arrived with his carpet bags.
Comment by Split Verdict Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 2:17 pm
Sorry, I omitted to mention that Judy Baar Topinka was the Republican State Chair when Obama was elected to the US Senate.
Comment by Split Verdict Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 2:20 pm
An Illinois great!!
Comment by Citizen A Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 3:09 pm
She was a good role model foe other politicians She cared deeply for a well-run government,and a government run by politicians with integrity and ethics. And she cared for the citizens of this State and for those citizens who work for the State.
Yes, she was one-of-a-kind - and is missed.
Comment by Earl Shumaker Monday, Dec 12, 16 @ 9:31 pm
Why did my comment about her appreciation of unions disappear? I thought it was a great contrast to our current union busting governor. Her dad was a steelworker! It really says something about how the conversation has been hijacked in the state when union ties are considered inflammatory or insulting. I am disappointed.
Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 5:28 am
Judy was genuine, devoted, respected, visionary and spirited. And was a true leader. All things missing in Springfield today. She continues to be missed.
Comment by Mattman Tuesday, Dec 13, 16 @ 12:17 pm