* 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.”