The tributes to Judy Baar Topinka came in fast and strong Wednesday morning, just as we were going to press. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat: “The Illinois political scene lost its Polka Queen last night and I lost a friend. Judy Barr Topinka was one of a kind. 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.” Bruce Rauner, Republican: “Comptroller Topinka’s magnetic, one-of-a-kind personality brought a smile to everyone she met, and she had a servant’s heart, always only caring about what was best for the people of our state.” Bernard Cherkasov 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.” Rich Miller, journalist: “Judy eventually became one of my most trusted sources. The Republican leaders were furious, and at one point they called a secret meeting to warn their members that any further leaks to me would result in immediate expulsion from the caucus. Of course, that was my headline the very next day. God, I loved that woman. She had bigger stones than any man I’ve ever known.” When was the last time Illinois loved a politician? –Fletcher Farrar, editor and publisher
This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2014.
