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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
National
Fran Spielman

From turkeys and trash cans to gas cards and guaranteed income? Freebie frenzy dominates election season

Mayor Lori Lightfoot hands out the first $150 gas card to William Bullion in the Northwest Side’s 39th Ward late last month. (Provided)

Giveaways have long been a staple of Chicago and Illinois politics. But, the stakes are rising with the inflationary times.

Decades ago, Chicago politicians curried favor with voters by distributing Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams. Garbage cans with an office-holder’s name on it were also a frequent freebie.

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