And Chicago...what about the Cavanaughs? Are they just on the level of 'associate' or do they compete with the Outfit in terms of influence?

[/quote]

The only thing i know is the Cavanaugh's were just associates of the outfit who tried to restart the old North Side Gang 30 years after it died out. They were more of a gang of Irish thugs. Try not to believe every thing you read on wikipedia.