Nephew says Netsch remained active in politics

CHICAGO (AP) — The nephew of pioneering Illinois politician Dawn Clark Netsch says she remained an active behind-the-scenes political player right up until her death.

The former Illinois comptroller and the first woman to get the Democratic nomination for Illinois governor died early Tuesday at her Chicago home.

Nephew Andy Kerr says the evening before Netsch was at home watching the TV news and surrounded by newspapers.

Kerr says his aunt was always trying to stay up to date and even in her last months was advising political candidates.

Netsch graduated first in her class from Northwestern Law in 1952, yet Kerr says she could not get a job because she was a woman.

He says that experience drove her to fight all types of discrimination, which became a hallmark of her career.