“I am deeply saddened at the loss of Judy Baar Topinka. Her personality lit up any room she walked into. She told you how it is. She never sugar-coated anything. People appreciated that. Her ability to reach across the aisle to get things done, while keeping the best interest of the taxpayers always on her mind, is a model for what public service should be. She paved the way for women to enter politics. Her leadership and charisma will be dearly missed. It’s a sad day for Illinois.”