Pressure grows on Chicago's Teflon mayor

[bemildred]

Aaron Wortman aced his interview for the post of truck driver with Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation. There was only one problem: he was serving with the United States Army in Iraq when the interview was supposed to have taken place.

Another candidate also performed well in an interview for the post of equipment dispatcher in the city. Once again there was a snag. On the day of the interview he was dead.

A judicial inquiry into the hiring practices of Chicago city council has unearthed several examples of fictitious interviews leading to dubious appointments made solely on the basis of political patronage.

The scandal, which suggests corruption in city hall, has gradually inched its way towards the door of the Democrat mayor, Richard Daley.

Guardian

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. d.e.a.d..m.e.a.t.

With all of his top aides indicted, with his supporters pleading for bargains as they testify against others, with people in city hall wandering around like cast members of the Night of the Living Dead, wondering which investigation will force their court appearances, people are ready for change. But, he is just a figure head. Since his days as states' attorney, I do not think he personally took a bribe. Before, well that is another question.

Actually, the powers behind the throne are not all named. Some are mob connected, others deep inside a few select lawfirms and still others are in big business. But even they are getting worried.

Heck, the bipartisan pressure against US Atty Fitzgerald is growing daily - because he is getting very close to those behind the scenes greedy bastards. More power to him.

[wli]

2. pretty scary stuff, I really hope Fitzgerald succeeds

[DanCa]

3. I hope my state doesn't go red again

Fortunately the only thing that's saving the dems at this point is that I haven't seen a legimate gop contender emerge.

[okieinpain]

4. you mean daley could really be that stupid.

[nevergiveup]

5. If Dailey falls

Illinois turns red......it really is this simple.

[henslee]

9. Hey guess you are back on the boards and it all went well!!!!!!

[Rich Hunt]

11. come off it

Where is the Illinois GOP now? Nowhere. Illinois Democrats are stronger than ever.

If Daley "falls", it would only be because he was replaced by another Democrat.

[Walt Starr]

6. Daley needs to go down. He's corrupt as hell.

He does a disservice to the Democratic Party.

Criminals like this must be expunged.

[DanCa]

7. It's hard having a conscience isn't it?

Do I vote on the issues knowing that the man behind the issues is corrupt or do I vote against the issues knowing that the opposition is either a ) against them, or b) doesn't have a shot in hell.

[bemildred]

8. You vote against Daley because he is a corrupt asshole.

If you choose expediency you deserve the screwing that you will get.
The notion that a corrupt asshole will serve you well on the "issues" is ludicrous, he will serve himself.

[Cocoa]

10. that's not the dynamic in Chicago

a Republican is not going to win mayor of Chicago, whoever beats Daley in the primary is Mayor of Chicago.