Sizing up the six people who would replace Topinka.(News)(On politics)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), December, 2004

Byline: Eric Krol The job of Illinois Republican Party chairman is set to become officially vacant after Judy Baar Topinka announces today that her last day on the job will be Jan. 31. The firm departure date for Topinka, who also serves as state treasurer, will speed up what has been a somewhat sleepy contest to succeed her.

You might think that would be due to a lack of interested applicants. The job, after all, might be the most thankless in Illinois politics: the state GOP chairman is not paid, has to deal with dueling moderate and conservative factions and placate a plethora of often high-maintenance hangers-on, all the while trying to resurrect a party that's a decided No. 2 in a two-party state. Where there is power, albeit a limited amount,...