By RFD Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Joseph Baar Topinka, the son of the late Illinois Comptroller and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, is reflecting on her life in a new book.
Joseph says the book “Just Judy” profiles her efforts to break the political glass ceiling and build bipartisanship, while showing a strong independent streak. He explained his mother got flak from Republicans, who grilled her for not being a traditional conservative.
“She used to tell me that people would make fun of her, calling her a RINO – a Republican In Name Only – and I used to respond to people after her death ‘is that a bad thing? Maybe being a moderate isn’t that bad’,” Joseph said.
The book offers a dark chapter, looking back on Topinka’s unsuccessful race for Governor against Rod Blagojevich. Joesph said at the end of the day, Blagojevich had more “war money” in his chest.
“When you think about her governor’s race, she really did it right. She went out all around and she talked to people,” explained Joseph. “But when it came down to it, the Chicago market beat her. The Chicago market, if you pay enough for commercials and you broadcast enough, people will remember you. And they also remember my mother in a negative way.”
More information on the book, which is available in paperback and e-book formats, can be found at JudyBaarTopinka.org.
