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Michael Madigan

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2012 at 6:19 PM

Now Dem Leaders Want Derrick Smith Out Now Dem Leaders Want Derrick Smith Out

Secretary of State Jesse White and other party bosses are calling on the embattled state rep to leave the statehouse. Read »

Derrick Smith

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2012 at 2:22 PM

Bribery Charge Doesn't Stop Easy Smith Win

A federal bribery charge didn't stop Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) from winning the Democratic nomination for the 10th District. Smith beat Republican-turned-Democrat challenger Tom Swiss with 77 percent of the... Read »

Michael Madigan

Thursday, Mar 15, 2012 at 10:33 PM

By Associated Press

Madigan Not Commenting on Democrat's Bribery Arrest

Illinois' powerful House speaker and Democratic Party chairman will not say whether he thinks a lawmaker charged with bribery should step down just days before the election. Read »

Tom Swiss

Thursday, Mar 15, 2012 at 6:23 PM

By Ward Room Staff

Will the Real Tom Swiss Please Stand Up?

Derrick Smith is heading to court to defend himself against bribery charges. Tom Swiss is defending himself at the polls about who he is -- a Republican in Democrats clothing.Who knew the 10th District Illinois... 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

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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.