Illinois politicians remember Dawn Clark Netsch

CHICAGO (AP) — Colleagues are remembering late Illinois politican Dawn Clark Netsch as a pioneer who blazed a trail for women in state politics.

Netsch died Tuesday. She is a former state comptroller and the first woman to run for governor on a major ticket in Illinois. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says Netsch created the modern era of women in Illinois political leadership. He says she proved a politician can be principled and effective.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says Netsch worked hard "to make sure so many of us could follow her." Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says Netsch was "straight forward, a straight shooter and a teacher."

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley says Netsch leaves behind "a long path paved with the shattered glass from the ceilings she broke for women."