The death of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka raises questions about how to fill her post. According to the state Constitution, it's up to the Governor to appoint a successor until the next election. But election officials are unsure about the process.
That's because the term ends January 12 and an election has already been held. State Board of Elections Director Rupert Borgsmiller says they are not sure how to handle it: "Nobody knows at this point by looking at the Constitution and the election code itself."
For now, Attorney General Lisa Madigan says Governor Pat Quinn can name a successor, but it's uncertain if that appointment will be for a month or for four years and a month. Madigan is reviewing the matter.
Gov.-Elect Bruce Rauner says the current governor - Democrat Pat Quinn - should appoint Topinka’s chief of staff Nancy Kimme to fill the position. Quinn wouldn’t say who he’d appoint to comptroller and says the state should take time to mourn Judy BaarTopinka’s death.
Topinka died early this morning, less than 24 hours after having a stroke.
A statement from her office says Topinka died from complications from the stroke.
After reporting discomfort, Topinka was admitted to a hospital in Berwyn. She lost consciousness and was pronounced dead shortly after 2 a.m.
Topinka, a Republican, won a second term last month in a tough race with Democratic challenger Sheila Simon, the former lieutenant governor.
Topinka served as Comptroller since 2011. Before that, she was state treasurer from 1994 to 2007. She was the first woman to hold the office.
Born in 1944 in suburban Riverside, Topinka graduated from Ferry Hall School now known as Lake Forest Academy. She entered Northwestern University and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Medill School of Journalism.
Topinka began her political career in 1980 when she was elected to the state House. In 1984, she was elected to the state Senate, where she served for 10 years.
In 2005, she launched a bid for governor, beating perennial candidate Jim Oberweis for the GOP nomination. She lost to Rod Blagojevich in the 2006 general election.
Topinka was known for her brash opinions. After Blagojevich’s sentencing in 2011, Topinka spoke with Chicago Public Radio and made their “Sound Bite of the Day.”
Judy BaarTopinka was 70 years old.
Bill Wheelhouse and Tony Arnold of Illinois Public Radio contributed to this report.
