By John Gregory–Illinois Radio News

 

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has died due to complications from a stroke.

 

The 70-year-old Topinka died early this morning at a hospital in Berwyn after suffering a stroke Tuesday. She had served in Springfield in some capacity dating back to her election to the Illinois House in 1980, followed by a stint in the Senate, and then 12 years as the state’s treasurer.

 

She lost a 2006 bid to become governor, running against the later imprisoned Rod Blagojevich, but returned to statewide office when she was elected Comptroller in 2010. She was re-elected to a second term last month.

 

Topinka was well-known for being outspoken, and was willing to go against her own party, being an early Republican supporter of same sex marriage.