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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
National
Fran Spielman

How the near absolute power Edward Burke wielded absolutely paved the way for his alleged corruption

Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke at a City Council meeting, May 4, 2011. Burke, who will soon go on trial on sweeping corruption charges, wielded enormous power on the council through “Chicago Way” politics, including aldermanic prerogative. (M. Spencer Green/AP)

Chicago may never have another City Council member as powerful as Ed Burke.

Burke amassed his power through his longevity of 54 years, his chairmanship of the Finance Committee, his vast network in city departments, the judges he placed as judicial slate-making chief for the Cook County Democratic Party and even his wife’s former position as chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

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