Sorry to hear about the death of Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. She was one of my favorite Illinois politicians. The Tribune obit at the link above shows that I wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Landecker and I had her on our show at least a half-dozen times (probably more). She brought her accordian and played it on the air at 6:30 in the morning. She was a heavy smoker and had a voice deeper than mine, but she was a real person--warm and friendly and approachable. She and John really hit it off.
I voted for her when she ran for Governor against Blagojevich (yes, I have voted for a few Republicans in my life), and I must say that vote looks pretty good in retrospect.
RIP Judy. You'll be missed.