Collins picked Democratic nominee for comptroller's race in Illinois

Jet, April 11, 1994

Veteran Illinois state Sen. Earlean Collins, who was the first Democratic candidate to jump in the race for state comptroller, has won the Democratic nomination.

Collins defied tremendous odds and campaigned hard all over the state to beat out three other contenders for the nomination. She faces Republican candidate Loleta Didrickson in the November general election.

The duties of the state comptroller include paying the state's debts, reviewing audits, and crediting accounts. Collins said her 17 years in the legislature, including service on appropriations and revenue committees, make her qualified to run the comptroller's office.

"After my many years in the State Senate and watching how money is appropriated and misappropriated, I think I bring significant insight to the office of Comptroller," Collins told reporters while campaigning.

She was the first Black female elected to the State Senate. Collins holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and has studied toward a master's degree in public administration.