* I posted a few tributes in the wee hours of the morning which you can see by clicking here (Rauner, MJM, White, Rutherford, Simon). I’m going to list the rest in the order they were received. Gov. Pat Quinn…
“Today is a sad day in the state of Illinois. I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend, Judy Baar Topinka.
“As the first female Treasurer of Illinois and a longtime public servant, Judy was a trailblazer in every sense of the word.
“Never without her signature sense of humor, Judy was a force of nature. She left her mark on the state she has called home her entire life. Her leadership improved Illinois and paved the way for countless women in politics.
“My deepest sympathies go out to Judy’s son, Joe, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Alexandra, her family, friends and devoted staff.
“Today the entire state mourns the loss of one of the greats. Judy Baar Topinka will be incredibly missed.”
* Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton…
“We have suffered a great loss with the passing of Judy Baar Topinka. She was loved and will always be remembered because she was outspoken, independent and completely dedicated to the state.
“It was a special honor to serve with her during her time in the legislature. Her fierce advocacy and bipartisan leadership as a legislator and constitutional officer will continue to be a model for women and men entering public service in Illinois.”
* US Rep. Rodney Davis…
“Words cannot express how much Judy Baar Topinka meant to the state of Illinois, how much we will miss her, and how much we will miss her leadership. Her constant professionalism, passion for serving the people of Illinois, honesty, and sense of humor truly set her apart from all other elected officials. Judy was one of those legendary, all-time greats, and will be impossible to replace. Shannon and I offer our deepest sympathies and will keep her family, friends and staff in our thoughts and prayers.”
* Rep. Mike Zalewski…
Last night, Illinois lost one of a kind. As a constituent, mentor, neighbor and friend, Comptroller Topinka espoused a no-nonsense governing approach that I and my colleagues would do well to emulate during these difficult times. We came from different political parties, but she made sure those differences never mattered when it came to serving the people of our area and our state. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and staff during this difficult time.
* State Sen. Michael Connelly…
“Comptroller Topinka was a very special woman and Illinois suffered a great loss today. My family would like to express our sympathies to her family and friends. She was a trailblazer that always fought hard for suburban communities while serving as a legislator, Treasurer and Comptroller,” Connelly said. “We will miss Judy’s kind heart, and bigger-than-life personality. Judy loved Illinois and Illinois loved her back. She will sorely missed.”
* IL GOP Chairman Tim Schneider…
“Illinois lost a legend today.
“Over the course of more than three decades in Illinois politics, Judy Baar Topinka was a trailblazer, a leader, and a treasure to Illinoisans, and all who knew her.
“Her common-sense leadership was a breath of fresh air during some difficult times for our state, and Judy’s energy lit up any room she was in. As Comptroller, as Treasurer, as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, and as Riverside Township Committeeman, Judy was a groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind leader.
“She had a heart of gold. She cared about our state saving money and families saving money; she was an advocate for animals, for the military. And she loved her family, including the staff and volunteers she treated like family.”
* Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois…
The people of Illinois today lost a true original. Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka brightened every room she entered with her engaging laugh, and LGBT Illinoisans were included in her warm embrace.
As a Republican statewide officeholder, Comptroller Topinka was a leader in supporting issues important to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Illinoisans and demonstrating that equality and fairness were bipartisan concerns. She endorsed the freedom to marry during last year’s debate and civil unions before that. At the signing ceremony for the marriage bill, she even offered to serve as a flower girl at any same-sex wedding that would have her.
When Equality Illinois held its regular lobbying days in Springfield, Topinka and her office opened their doors to the delegation to make them feel that the Capitol was truly our home, too.
Equality Illinois will always remember her regular presence at our annual galas, where Comptroller Topinka regularly received rousing receptions from the appreciative crowd. She was a welcomed presence at Chicago’s Pride Parade, and many other LGBT events.
Judy Baar Topinka demonstrated that political labels should not be a barrier to reaching out to all citizens. We will miss her.
* Illinois Business Immigrant Coalition…
“Comptroller Topinka never minced her words. She cared about immigrant families and valued immigrants’ enormous contribution as workers, consumers and residents to our state and country,” said Raul Raymundo, IBIC Co-Chair and CEO of the Resurrection Project, “She didn’t just show up at ribbon cutting ceremonies in immigrant communities, she championed difficult legislation and rallied her party behind her, winning policy changes like the immigrant driver’s license that keeps our roads safe and families together.”
“Comptroller Topinka paved a way for Republicans who see the business impact of inaction and trauma inflicted by the current system on families to come forward,” said John Rowe, IBIC Co-Chair and Exelon Chairman Emeritus, “And many followed her lead.”
* Mayor Rahm Emanuel…
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Judy had a passion for serving the people of Illinois that equaled her passion for life. For more than three decades, she brought a relentless work ethic, a determination to attack our state’s fiscal challenges, and a sense of humor and smile that brightened the day of anyone in her path. As the first woman to serve as Illinois Treasurer, she will always have a special place in the history of our state.
“The thoughts and prayers of the City of Chicago are with Judy’s son Joseph and her staff members, and her many friends during this difficult time.”
* US Sen. Dick Durbin…
“The Illinois political scene lost its Polka Queen last night and I lost a friend. Judy Barr Topinka was one of a kind,” said Durbin. “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. She was a blue-collar, immigrants’ kid who lit up the room with her quick wit and boundless energy.”
* Rep. Tom Cross…
Illinois lost one of her finest public servants today, and I lost a good friend. Judy Baar Topinka loved serving Illinois and Illinois loved her.
Throughout her 30 year career in public service Judy brought passion, honesty and humbleness to every office she held. She was a model for all of us in public service to follow.
My deepest condolences go out to her son Joe and her family.
* Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno…
“Judy Baar Topinka was one of the first politicians I ever became aware of - she was my state Senator before I came into politics. She was beautiful, funny and an independent thinker. I was always in awe of her. She had the qualities we admire in our friends and public officials. She was articulate, sincere and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was smart, practical, tolerant and honest. She wasn’t afraid to take strong positions and stand to defend them. Judy will long be remembered by the people of Illinois.
“My family and I extend our condolences to her family and many friends.”
* US Sen. Mark Kirk…
“My friend and mentor’s sudden passing is a shock and very saddening. Her death is a loss to all who knew her and to our great state. My prayers are with her family today, especially her beloved son Joseph.”
* Cook County Commissioner John Daley…
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Judy Baar Topinka this morning. Judy was a champion of women’s rights, human rights, and fighting for working people.
I had the honor and privilege of serving with Judy in the Illinois Senate. She brought common sense principles and a strong work ethic with her to every public office she held. Illinois has truly lost a state treasure today.
* Rick Garcia…
“Judy Baar Topinka stood out in the Republican party as a consistent and firm supporter of gay rights,” said Rick Garcia a gay rights activists for over thirty years. “Even when attacked by members of her own party for her gay rights support she never wavered. She was a solid friend and ally.”
“Illinois has strong civil rights protections for gay people including marriage rights and Topinka played a pivotal role in that., Garcia noted. “During the marriage debate in the House Topinka was on the floor working every Republican member to squeeze out every necessary vote.”
“I will always cherish the memory of dancing with Judy whether at a national Repbulican convention or at a gay rights event. She was one of a kind”
“Topinka was old-school Republican - she did not believe in labels she respected everyone and believed in fairness above all. Illinois lost a great leader. May her example be a guide for elected officials from both sides of the aisle,” Garcia said. “Her candor, bluntness and common-sense attitude will be sorely missed.”
* Treasurer-elect Mike Frerichs…
“Judy Baar Topinka was a one-of-a-kind public servant known for her integrity, her frankness, and her bipartisanship. We all mourn her passing, and I have the deepest sympathy for her family, her friends, and her current and former staff.”
* Julie Cellini…
Rich, I read with sadness your announcement of Judy Baar Topinka’s death and wanted to add something few people besides Judy knew. It was Judy’s generosity and knowledge of history that helped launch the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Many years ago a newspaper story appeared bemoaning the lack of a secure display vault for the state’s priceless Gettysburg Address manuscript hand written by Lincoln . It wasn’t an accurate story but it caught Judy’s attention and since she loved history– and had played a major role in getting the burial vault for President Ulysses S. Grant restored– she scratched together about $65,000 and sent it over to the Illinois Historic preservation Agency admonishing us ( I was board chairman at the time ) to take better care of Mr. Lincoln’s artifacts. I explained that the display case holding the document was actually a very good one and the story was erroneous, but since she had scratched together that money what would she think if we used it for something else–to launch an impossible dream to build a place where a worldwide audience could experience the whole of Lincoln’s remarkable story in his hometown of Springfield. She loved the idea and in typical Judy fashion said “spend that money, honey, and do right by Lincoln.” It would take years to realize the dream– and many setbacks along the way– but it began with Judy ’s support and enthusiasm for something almost no one else thought could be done. With that modest amount we put together a small presentation that we used to sell the project to anyone who would listen. She was so much more than the straight talkin’wise crackin ‘ gal that the media portrayed. She knew history and its value to inform and inspire. I thought of that this morning when I read your column. I thanked her many times over the years. Wish I had the chance to do it again, one last time.
* House Republican Leader Jim Durkin…
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend, Judy Baar Topinka. Judy was supportive of me from the time I ran for school board in the western suburbs in the early 1990’s to now as House Republican Leader. She was a mentor and a tireless campaigner for so many of us. Whenever she entered a room all attention shifted to her because she was larger than life, and could always make us laugh. When it came to governing, Judy was a straight shooter who called it like it was. You knew where she stood on any issue, and could always take her at her word. She loved public service and wanted only the best for Illinois. She will be greatly missed.”
* Todd Maisch, Illinois Chamber President and CEO…
“Illinois has lost a great advocate in Judy Baar Topinka. Her no-nonsense approach let citizens know what was really going on in state government. Topinka’s legacy will be that of honesty, hard work, and humor. She respected her office, she respected the taxpayers, and she respected the good of the state of Illinois.”
* IFT President Dan Montgomery…
“Judy Baar Topinka was one in a million. She was an undeterred pioneer, a friend to working families, and an advocate for all Illinoisans. Judy believed and showed that doing what’s right has no political party. She was guided instead by her principles and when she came before our Executive Board earlier this year, we laughed together as Judy told stories in her own candid, inimitable way. She loved serving the public and did so with honor, grit, and integrity. We join so many others this morning in shock and grief, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Judy will be deeply missed.”
* US Rep. Tammy Duckworth…
“I express my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and staff of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. For more than thirty years Judy honorably served our state as a State Representative, Senator, Treasurer and Comptroller. Judy’s courage and leadership helped pave the way for women in Illinois to serve in office. We honor her commitment to public service and our state.”
* DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin…
“Judy was a feisty, funny, courageous politician who valued service to the citizens of Illinois above all else. We will miss her sense of humor, her intelligence and her commitment to moving Illinois forward. It’s a personal loss, as she was a good friend from my days in the Illinois legislature. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and her devoted staff, many of whom spent decades working with Judy.”
* US Rep. Adam Kinzinger…
“Judy was an amazing public servant and friend - she will be deeply missed,” said Kinzinger. “In a business where political expediency is the norm, Judy always stuck to her guns and did what she thought was right. She was a great example to so many people for so many years, and Illinois simply won’t be the same without her.”
* US Rep. Peter Roskam…
“I am saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague Judy Baar Topinka. Judy was a tenacious and dynamic leader who dedicated her life to public service and the people of Illinois. She was a trailblazer, a fighter and a total sparkplug. She will be dearly missed and Elizabeth and I join her family and many friends in mourning her passing.”
* US Rep. Robin Kelly…
“Judy was a vibrant and exuberant spirit who always spoke the truth throughout her career as a public servant. As a strong advocate for women across Illinois, she shattered the glass ceiling for generations to come. She was an ardent believer in bipartisanship who willingly worked across the aisle for the betterment of the state. Her great love of animals moved her to start several pet adoption programs during her tenure in office, including Treasured Pets and Comptroller’s Critters. My sympathy goes out to her beloved son Joseph and to her entire extended family, including her friends and devoted co-workers.”
* Illinois Education Association President Cinda Klickna…
The Illinois Education Association today mourns the loss of a great public servant, Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.
Throughout her long and illustrious career, Judy Baar Topinka was a great friend to the students and to the public education employees of Illinois.
As a legislator, state treasurer and state comptroller, Judy worked tirelessly to improve our schools, repeatedly crossing party and ideological lines to rally support for education. Party affiliation mattered far less to her than what was best for the people of Illinois.
She never hesitated to speak out on education, calling throughout her career for more support for students and schools. Judy Baar Topinka believed in public education and in unions. It was an honor to support her in her most recent election.
Illinois will miss Judy’s leadership, her insight and her wonderful sense of humor.
* Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle…
I was saddened to hear this morning of the passing of Judy Baar Topinka. Judy was truly one of a kind. I admired her feisty, outspoken nature and her passion for good government. She had a track record of standing up for what she believed in, regardless of party lines.
As the first woman to be elected treasurer in Illinois, she was also a pioneer and an inspiration for other women in public service. My heart goes out to her family and friends throughout the state.
* Auditor General Bill Holland…
Judy Baar Topinka was an outstanding public servant, a person of whom Illinois could be consistently proud throughout her many years of service. If you had the privilege of meeting Judy, you would know of her intelligence, her wit and her honesty in all matters, large and small. I have been honored to call her my friend. I will miss her.
* Attorney General Lisa Madigan…
“Today our state has suffered a great loss. Judy Baar Topinka was a trailblazer, a true public servant and a friend to all. Always jubilant and straight-talking, Judy spoke her mind on every issue. Even during tough political times, Judy always worked across party lines to get things done and brought humor and joy to everything she did. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
* President Barack Obama via the Tribune…
President Barack Obama, in a statement released by the White House, called Topinka “an institution in Illinois politics.”
“Judy was a fierce advocate for her constituents, which I got to see firsthand when she was State Treasurer – the first woman to hold that office,” Obama said. “She was blunt, pragmatic, unfailingly cheerful and energetic, and always willing to put politics aside to find commonsense solutions that made a difference for the people of Illinois.”
* Former Comptroller Dan Hynes…
I had the great fortune of working alongside Judy Baar Topinka for 8 years, when she was Treasurer and I was Comptroller. From day one, she became a friend and treated me as such (and not like a politician from another party). Every time our paths crossed, whether in a private meeting or at a public event, she would heap praise on me and upon my father, with whom she also served. It was not the usual, empty compliments typically thrown around by a politician. It was heartfelt and to the point – usually something like “Dan Hynes is one of the good guys…” This was how she judged people—were you a good guy or a bad one, were you genuine or were you a phony? If you were decent and genuine, you had a partner in Judy Baar Topinka. Simple as that.
Judy’s instinct was always to work WITH the other person, not to find a way to outsmart, outmaneuver or outflank them. When I read Rich Miller’s post this morning about her ill-fated run for Governor, it struck a chord with me. At the time, a race for Governor just seemed out of character for her, because a high level race like that in this day and age requires you to get mean and nasty. And that is just not Judy. She was above what big time politics has become.
That is why it was so great that she made her comeback, because in a sense her re-emergence was a reminder that good people, and old-fashioned politics are still viable. In the TV commercial of her last campaign, I’m pretty sure she recycled some of the old footage of her at the flea market. How fitting is that? Why try to remake an original, authentic scene for political purposes….why not just go with the real deal.
* Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrgian…
“The working women and men of Illinois lost a friend in Judy Baar Topinka.
“She was driven by serving the greater good for all of Illinois. In this age of ideologues and politics driving policy, she was a beacon of statesmanship.
“She always called it like she saw it and had a heart as big as the state she represented.”
* US Rep. Jan Schakowsky…
“For decades, Judy Barr Topinka has been an energetic, down to earth leader on the Illinois political scene. I can’t remember a time seeing her on the campaign trail or at work that she was not cheerfully interacting with voters or colleagues, a smile on her face. She seemed particularly at ease with the many immigrant groups in our diverse state, coming herself from an immigrant background. Judy will truly be missed.”
* Jim Edgar via the AP…
Former GOP Gov. Jim Edgar noted that Topinka was among a shrinking number of moderate Republicans and “gave folks who are not traditionally Republican in recent years someone they could talk to and relate to.”
“There’s not going to be another Judy Baar Topinka,” Edgar said. “State treasurer, comptroller for the most part people don’t know those offices. Judy had a personality that people knew her and remembered her.”
* AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch…
AFSCME mourns the passing of Judy Baar Topinka, a great friend of our union and working people across Illinois.
She was a good and decent person who always said and did what she thought was right, not just what was popular. She was dedicated to the public good, served with integrity, deeply respected all those in public service and demanded that every elected official do the same.
Judy believed in unions, and often proudly said she was a card-carrying member of two. She told the truth about the hard challenges facing our state and didn’t let anyone of either party get away with falsely blaming them on working people, especially those in the public service.
Though Judy Baar Topinka is no longer with us, her standard of decency, sincerity and respect for working people is needed more than ever and should inspire us all.
