Dawn Clark Netsch

Dawn Clark Netsch, 86, was a famous political figure in Illinois. She served on the Illinois State Senate, was the state’s comptroller, and was the first woman to receive a gubernatorial nomination from a major political party. Netsch’s political career began in 1972 when she was elected to the state senate. Her biggest moment, however, was when she beat out her opponents in the Democratic primary for governor in 1994. She ultimately lost, however, to Jim Edgar.