Cianci wasn't a mafioso. But he was a corrupt politician who allegedly cooperated with mafiosi. So in that regard, then yes, I guess you could say he was an "associate" of sorts.

For that matter, look at Whitey Bulger's brother who was a top politician out of the area? If memory serves me, he was a State Senator. Yet, he schemed and protected his mobster brother for decades, essentially indemnifying him against investigation and prosecution. Am I right?

There were a lot of guys up the New England way who fall into this category. I just gotta think a bit.