Vrdolyak Heads to Prison

A former Chicago alderman whose exploits as one of the city's most powerful politicians earned him the nickname "Fast Eddie" is now in federal prison.

Edward Vrdolyak arrived at the prison camp at Terre Haute, Ind. on Wednesday to begin a 10-month sentence for a mail fraud conviction, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons reported.  It is the same prison former Illinois Gov. George Ryan is doing time for corruption.

Vrdolyak's sentence, handed down last October, is less than a fourth of what prosecutors said would have been appropriate.

The 72-year-old Vrdolyak got his "Fast Eddie" nickname for his skills as a backroom political dealmaker. He originally received a probation sentence for receiving kickbacks, but was resentenced after prosecutors appealed.

Defense attorney Michael Monico says Vrdolyak was in good spirits when he reported and is looking forward to rejoining his family.