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The 'Governor-In-Law’

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Don Rose, a former Chicago political consultant who worked for former Mayor Jane Byrne, said Mell today was a "dyed-in-the-wool machine guy," but that he had started his career with the independent-minded, reform wing of the Democratic Party. But Mell, known as a politician who values the practical approach—and getting things done—soon allied himself with the powerful.
Rose recalls standing alongside Mell at the old Bismark Hotel, where the Chicago Democratic Party regulars would meet to slate candidates—hardly an exercise in serious debate. A candidate's name would be announced, as Rose recalls it, and every voice in the place would shout "aye."

"Mell had this sardonic sense of humor that can laugh at it all," said Rose. "He turned to me and laughed and said, 'We're all just capons."

But he knew the importance of voting the right way. The governor is in serious trouble. His father-in-law, on the other hand, is almost always on the winning side.

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Posted By: baybluv @ 01/07/2009 4:59:19 PM

Mr. Mell sounds like a sick and controlling man. If he can't control it, he'll destroy it, only to destroy his daughter and her family.
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Posted By: memo2 @ 01/04/2009 3:31:49 AM

Of course corruption is all over, I though all this happens in the 1940's.
Why Blagojevich fill's untouchable and what is behind all this?.
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Posted By: kissablysweetone @ 01/03/2009 12:41:02 AM

I'm not from Chicago or Illinois thank God, but I do believe this Governor is long past his expiration date. Apparently from all my research there are maybe 2 honest or semi honest people in the Government there. Its sad that so many are upholding this man. The Supreme Court had an easy way to end his reign and they chose not to. That tells me they are in his pocket as well. When does it stop? Where does it stop. My state isn't much better, but then whose is? Time for Blago to go play in the prison yard with the other boys.