“Two Eddies” Aim for 16th District Domination

July 2, 2009 by CookReformer
Filed under: Campaign News, Corruption, Reform, Uncategorized

Longtime Chicago Alderman Ed Burke was in the news this week — this time for helping “friends with city deals.”

To those familiar with Cook County politics and corruption, this story about Burke was no surprise. During his career, he has been far from a model of clean and honest government.

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform describes Burke as a “career patron of Governor Rod Blagojevich.”

He has also long been a close political ally of uber-insider Ed Vrdolyak, who last year magically beat corruption charges in federal court after being indicted on fraud and bribery charges. Burke’s and Vrdolyak’s political alliance goes back to the “Council Wars” of the early 1980’s, when the two formed an opposition group — called “The Eddie’s” — to oppose Mayor Harold Washington’s policies, proposals and political organization.

The “Two Eddies” also share something else in common: they both vehemently oppose the reform efforts of Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16th).

Well, Burke’s opposition to Peraica most likely stems from him “sticking up” for his buddy Vrdolyak, a political power broker in Cicero and other Western Suburbs located within Peraica’s 16th District. Peraica has long tussled with Vrdolyak on behalf of the taxpayers — thus making Vrdolyak a political enemy.

And when Eddie V. is your enemy — so is Eddie B.

So, in 2006 the dynamic duo teamed up to try to defeat Peraica. Vrdolyak (specifically, the “Vrdolyak Law Group”) was the largest contributor to Michael LaPidus, who opposed Peraica in the Republican Primary for Lyons Township GOP Committeeman.

And Burke — through various political entities — ensured that William Gomolinski — Peraica’s Democratic opponent for the 16th District commissioner’s seat — was well-funded.

How well-funded? Well, according to State Board of Election reports, “The Burnham Committee” (a political committee of which Ed Burke is chairman) contributed $7,000 to “Friends of William E. Gomolinski” on 11/17/06.

The Burnham Committee previously made a $1,000 contribution to Gomolinski’s campaign fund on 3/22/06.

Also on 11/17/06, Friends of Edward M. Burke contributed $1,500 to the “Gomolinski Campaign Fund.”

So, the double-team was apparent: Eddie V. hit Peraica in the Primary … Eddie B. hit him hard in the General Election.

What will the 2010 election cycle hold? That remains to be seen. But with Vrdolyak having avoided jail time, the Vrdolyak-backed LaPidus already stirring up trouble in Lyons Township, and Ald. Burke still freely engaging in his shenanigans, it stands to reason that the “Two Eddies” will once again make a play to take over the 16th District.