Chicago's Political News and Analysis Blog
Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
13 minutes ago
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By Edward McClelland

Book Excerpt: When the Steel Mills Died, the Hispanic Democratic Organization was Born

Book Excerpt: When the Steel Mills Died, the Hispanic Democratic Organization was Born

Ald. Edward "Fast Eddie" Vrdolyak used the desperation of laid-off steelworkers to build his own political machine -- which morphed into the HDO. An excerpt from Ward Room blogger Edward McClelland's new book. Read »

28 minutes ago
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By AP

Illinois House Committee OKs Fracking Regulatory Bill

Illinois House Committee OKs Fracking Regulatory Bill

An Illinois House committee has OK'd a measure to regulate high-volume oil and gas drilling in the state. Read »

2 hours ago
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By Edward McClelland

Opinion: How to Marry Your Gay Cousin

Opinion: How to Marry Your Gay Cousin

According to the Religious Freedom and Marital Fairness Act, gay cousins can marry -- as long as one is incapable of having children. Read »

2 hours ago
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By Lisa Balde

Bill Clinton Urges Illinois House To Approve Gay Marriage

Bill Clinton Urges Illinois House To Approve Gay Marriage

Former President Bill Clinton threw his weight behind stalled legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois, calling on the state House to approve the bill. Read »

3 hours ago
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By Marcus Riley

Sen. Kirk Uncertain on Pritzker's Confirmation

Sen. Kirk Uncertain on Pritzker's Confirmation

Commerce Secretary confirmation hearings scheduled for Thursday. Read »

Monday, May 20, 2013 at 6:09 PM
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By Ward Room Staff

State Senate Committee OKs Ammunition Limit

State Senate Committee OKs Ammunition Limit

Legislation to ban magazines that hold more than 10 rounds advances with 12-3 vote. Read »

Monday, May 20, 2013 at 6:08 PM
Parents of Sandy Hook Victims Join Quinn in Quest for Gun Control

Parents of Sandy Hook Victims Join Quinn in Quest for Gun Control

Parents of children killed in the tragic Sandy Hook massacre last year spoke at a conference alongside Governor Quinn in support of banning high-capacity ammunition magazines. Watch »

Monday, May 20, 2013 at 6:04 PM
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By Mary Ann Ahern, BJ Lutz
      

School Closure Opponents Arrested at City Hall

Rally was part of the Chicago Teachers Union's three days of marches and protests demanding a moratorium on school closures. Read »

Monday, May 20, 2013 at 12:51 PM
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By SOPHIA TAREEN
      

Gov. Quinn: Illinois Has Chance To Make History

Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage. Read »

Monday, May 20, 2013 at 1:11 PM
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By Edward McClelland

Opinion: More Poor In The Suburbs Is Good News For Rahm

Opinion: More Poor In The Suburbs Is Good News For Rahm

Poor people are moving to the suburbs, where they can't vote against the mayor. Read »

About Ward Room
NBC Chicago's award winning politics blog takes a critical look at Illinois' top influence-peddlers, using a mix of news and commentary designed to keep this state's notoriously corruptible politicians honest and accountable.
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Who We're Covering
Barack Obama

Barack Obama

He's in the fight for his political life. Should he lose the 2012 election for the presidency, he'll likely move back to Chicago's Kenwood Neighborhood and instantly become Chicago's biggest celebrity.

Rahm Emanuel

Rahm Emanuel

Foul mouthed, iron-fisted and arrogant. Say hello to Mayor Emanuel.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

After spending much of the past year and a half out of the public eye Triple J is making a comeback!

Rod Blagojevich

Rod Blagojevich

Rascally alchemist transmutes disgrace into fame. Celeb Apprentice buffoon, jail time looms.

Joe Walsh

Joe Walsh

Tea Party conservative who likes to say no, will have to talk more about his personal life if he wants a second term.

Pat Quinn

Pat Quinn

Accidental gov no longer.

See more Who We're Covering
Authors
Phil Rogers Emmy Award-winning reporter with trenchant insight into Chicago's political machinations.
Mary Ann Ahern WMAQ's Political Reporter since 2006, not afraid of a challenge. Read full bio .
Edward McClelland Author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Salon and Slate. Reach him on Twitter using @tedmcclelland.
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