Thursday, January 27, 2011

Was there ever really any doubt that Rahm Emanuel would quickly get back on the ballot? #tcot

 

Never let a crisis averted crisis go to waste.

There is good reason why Chicago's reputation for corruption keeps cropping up.

NBC Chicago - Feb 19, 2010

Cook County a "Dark Pool of Political Corruption"

source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/illinois-corruption-84736672.html

150 convicted officials in 140 years of political hijinks

Cook County has been a "dark pool of political corruption" for more than a century, a new study by the University of Illinois at Chicago says.

Nearly 150 employees, politicians and contractors in the nation's second-largest county have been convicted on corruption charges since 1957, according to a report released Thursday by the university and the Better Government Association

The 33-page study gives a history of corruption, starting from 1869 when county commissioners were jailed for rigging a bid to paint City Hall. It also details hiring scandals, including some under Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. Stroger hasn't been charged with any crime.

In the last 36 years, 31 sitting or former Chicago alderman have been convicted of corruption or other crimes.  The last was Ike Carothers (29th), who earlier this month plead guilty to charges he accepted gifts in exchange for his votes on zoning issues.

1999-2009: The Decade of Indictments

Ace of Spades

For the best coverage of this follow @MayorEmanuel on Twitter. Warning, there are a few F-bombs. Actually, it's all F-bombs.

For more on the original decision that tossed Rahm (and which has now been overturned), go here.