Ward Room | Chicago's Political News and Analysis Blog

Covering Chicago's nine political influencers

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Quinn in 2014

Rahm Emanuel

Friday, Jan 4, 2013 at 10:55 AM

Opinion: Mell Takes "Take Your Daughter To Work Day" Too Far

Ald. Dick Mell -- the man who got his son-in-law elected governor -- now wants his daughter appointed to his city council seat. There ought to be a law against that kind of nepotism. Read »

Deb Mell

Tuesday, Sep 4, 2012 at 1:14 PM

Rep. Mell Recovering From Cancer Surgery

Illinois State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) is recovering from breast cancer surgery three months after announcing the Stage 1 invasive cancer, her doctors confirmed Tuesday. Read »

Michael Madigan

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 9:10 AM

Why the Gay Community Dominates Lakefront Politics

With the appointment of lesbian activist Kelly Cassidy, gays and lesbians now occupy two state house seats and two aldermanic seats on the lakefront. 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.

Who We're Covering

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

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

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

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

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

Accidental gov no longer.

See more Who We're Covering

Videos

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.