Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
How Mayor Washington Influenced Barack Obama
Harold Washington, who died 25 years ago Sunday, wasn’t Chicago’s greatest mayor, or its most powerful. Those honors go, respectively, to Carter Harrison Sr. and Richard J. Daley. But he was the mayor who played... Read »
How Obama's Re-Election Campaign Is Like Harold Washington's
A reporter for WNYC radio looks back 25 for lessons on how President Obama can win a second term. Read »
The Chicago Reader's Biggest Story
As the Chicago Reader faces yet another ownership change, let's remember 1983, when a Reader cover story helped Harold Washington win a close mayoral election. Read »
Trading Places
Barack Obama and Rahm Emanuel are each having the career the other set out to achieve. Read »
Are You Having Fun Yet, Mayor Emanuel?
Ward Room tries to think of mayors who acted as though they were enjoying the job, and can only come up with one. Read »
The Mayor's Race, in Black and White
Danny Davis says Bill Clinton's support of Rahm Emanuel thwarts "the legitimate political aspirations of Chicago's Black community." 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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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
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Rahm Unconcerned About Low Poll Numbers
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Downtown Robberies Come as Summer Tourism Season Starts
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Supporters Laud Plans For Navy Pier, McComick Place Upgrades
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Rahm: People Feel Safe On Michigan Ave.
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Rahm To New Cops: "You Do Not Bear Burden Alone Of Reducing Crime"
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Aldermen: Mayor's Parking Deal Doesn't Add Up
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CTU Files Lawsuits to Stop School Closings
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Rahm Touts "Night Out in the Parks" Initiative
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CTU No Fan of Firefighters on Safe Passage
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Valerie Jarrett Discusses Life In The White House
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IG Report Questions Locations of Chicago Red-Light Cameras
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Alderman Looking at Bonds to Buy Back Parking Meters
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Firefighters Ordered to Provide Safe Passage for Schoolkids
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Protesters Confront Mayor About School Closures
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What's Next for Illinois GOP?
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McCarthy Responds to Grant Application
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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