Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Expelled Rep. Smith Leads in Poll
Former Rep. Derrick Smith this year was indicted, charged with accepting a $7,000 bribe, expelled from the Illinois House and replaced by a new lawmaker. Yet Smith (D-Chicago) has a strong chance of winning back... Read »
New Lawmaker Sworn in to Replace Derrick Smith
Rep. Derrick Smith was expelled from the Illinois House last month after he was charged by federal authorities with accepting a bribe. Read »
House Votes 100-6 to Expel State Rep
The Illinois House on Friday voted 100-6 to expel indicted state Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago), the first time the House has expelled a member in more than 100 years. Smith, a West Side Democrat, was... Read »
State Rep Faces Expulsion Vote Friday
Illinois lawmakers return to the state capitol Friday with two things on the agenda: a vote on whether to remove State Representative Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) and a special session on public pensions. Smith, a... Read »
House To Vote Next Month On Expelling Smith
Aug. 17 is judgment day for Rep. Derrick Smith, D-Chicago Read »
Why Derrick Smith Shouldn't Resign
The indicted state representative can't afford to resign, says his patron, Secretary of State Jesse White. By staying in office, he embarrasses White and the Democrats, and exposes the reasons we shouldn't... Read »
Ill. House Might Seek US Aid to Review Rep. Smith
Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook, will convene the rare proceeding in Springfield Tuesday. It will determine whether Smith's actions are enough to warrant discipline that could lead to expulsion. Read »
Lawmaker M.I.A. as Special Probe Begins
A Special House Investigating Committee looking into Rep. Derrick Smith want more details from feds on the information they have that led to the lawmaker's arrest. 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
See more 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.
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.
Videos
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City Defends Proposed Parking Meter Plan
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Illinois House Approves Concealed Carry Bill
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Are CPS Welcoming Schools Better Than The Closed Ones?
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Rahm, Byrd-Bennett Discuss CPS Closings
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Meet the Kid Who Took on Rahm
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A Tale of Two Schools
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Outbursts, Protests as School Board Closes Schools
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CTU President Reacts to Closure Vote
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Mayor on Political Consequences
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Rahm Pledges With Tornado Recovery If Needed
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Mayor Not Worried About Political Fallout from School Closures
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Quinn 'Open Minded' About Medical Marijuana Bill
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Parents of Sandy Hook Victims Join Quinn in Quest for Gun Control
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Quinn: Pension Reform Before Gaming Bill
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Perception Not Reality On Mag Mile Safety: McCarthy
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Demonstrators Arrested in Final School Closure Fight
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CTU's Lewis on Re-Election
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Preckwinkle Takes Issue With School Closures
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McCormick Place Wouldn't Automatically Get Chicago Casino: Rahm
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Mayor Seeks to Protect Chicago Interests in State Gun Law
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.
Most Popular
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