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14 want to take the 5th, one stands out
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Race
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| Contributor | Craverguy |
| Last Edited | Craverguy Feb 04, 2009 06:12pm |
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| Category | Opinion |
| Media | Newspaper - Chicago Sun-Times |
| News Date | Thursday, February 5, 2009 12:10:00 AM UTC0:0 |
| Description | The 5th is the second-toughest Machine-controlled Democratic congressional district in Chicago. It differs slightly from the conservative 3rd District because of a handful of independent-liberal lakefront precincts comprising 18 percent of the vote.
A special primary election will be held March 3 to replace Rahm Emanuel, who went to White House heaven -- a different place from his predecessors, Dan Rostenkowski and Rod Blagojevich.
The district's power emanates from the most odiously connected elements of the Machine, lodged in the western wards and suburbs, where the line between crime and politics is often diffuse.
The big boss is state Sen. Jim DeLeo, indicted in the "Greylord" court bribery scandal, who got a hung jury in his trial then pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
Then comes 36th Ward alderman/committeeman William J.P. Banks, sometimes accused of ties to the old First Ward -- a euphemism. He chairs the powerful City Council Zoning Committee.
William's brother, lawyer Sam Banks, often represents mobsters. Sam's name popped up in the "Family Secrets" trial as a go-between alleged to have carried payoffs to crooked cops. Of course, no one ever saw money change hands.
Sam's son James is a successful zoning lawyer, whose triumphs may be due in part to appearing before his Uncle Bill's committee. |
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