Former Illinois Gov. Dan Walker, 92, died early Wednesday in Chula Vista, Calif.
Walker's son Dan Walker Jr. informed the Associated Press that the one-term governor, who served from 1973 to 1977, passed away at his home.
Walker came to fame in 1971 by literally walking the length of Illinois.
He spent much of his time fighting the Democratic machine. In Illinois in the 1970s, that meant fighting Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.
“I have been trying very hard to bring to this state a Democratic Party that is open. A Democratic Party that is responsive to people. And a Democratic Party that is representative of people all over the state of Illinois, and does not just respond top the wishes of one man in Chicago."
That fight made Walker a one-term governor, and his party wouldn’t regain Illinois’ top job until 2003.
Things got worse out of office. In the 1980s, Walker pleaded guilty to bank fraud and went to federal prison.
Walker was seen as a new breed of Illinois politician. He disdained traditional political organization and won office in 1972 on the strength of his personality. But he accomplished little as governor, alienating both Republicans and Democrats.
Former Gov. Jim Thompson says Walker famously battled with then-Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.
"I always thought that if he had decided to run for president, Daley would've supported him just to get him out of Illinois, supported him over Jimmy Carter" Thompson said.
Daley supported another Democrat -- Michael Howlett -- who beat Walker in the Democratic primary of Walker's re-election campaign.
Thompson says several of Walker's allies supported his successful campaign for governor even though he was a Republican, because they didn't want to support a Daley-backed candidate.
Walker is survived by his wife and seven children. Funeral services are pending.
Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement on the death of former Governor Dan Walker.
“Diana and I are saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor Dan Walker. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
- Brian Mackey and the Associated Press contributed to this report