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Local Republicans remember Judy Baar Topinka

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, who passed away on Wednesday at age 70, could light up any event. “Good to see you again,” she exclaimed at ...

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, who passed away on Wednesday at age 70, could light up any event.

"Good to see you again," she exclaimed at Republican Headquarters in Moline in September 2013.

Whenever she came to the Quad Cities, there was always a close connection.

"I just always remember being here during the floods," she said at the time.

And what a personality on the campaign trail.

"I'm always seeking balance," she said.  "Then I think you wind up with something that works."

Local Republicans remembered that tireless worker on Wednesday. They recalled her passion for politics and Illinois.

"You just felt the energy when you were around her," said Karen English, president of Republican Women of Rock Island County. "She was so spunky."

Judy Baar Topinka was a leader and a role model.

Over a career topping 30 years, she advanced from state representative to Republican nominee for governor.

"No problem was too big for her to tackle," said Bill Bloom, chairman of Rock Island County Republicans.

She found her real niche as treasurer and comptroller.

"This is no way to run a state," she remarked during challenging times.

That's where she was a real watchdog over the state's troubled finances.

"Judy Baar Topinka was so full of vim, vigor and vitality," said English.

That enthusiasm made Judy Baar Topinka a hit with local Republicans.  Energy that really inspired everybody around her.

Just last month, she made her final campaign stop in the Quad Cities.

Only a day before the midterm election, she endorsed the power of a vote.

"This is how we get good people in office and keep bad people from getting in office," she said.

She was a pacesetter for women with a smile and hug for everybody.

"She liked us," said Bill Long, Rock Island Republicans.  "We liked her.  It's a real loss for the party and for the state."

 

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