Uh, no. DiFronzo not being indicted in the case has nothing to do with political protection. If there's one thing that has been overrated by many on these forums, it's the Chicago Outfit's level of modern day political clout. There is certainly still some local corruption but not on the scale where they could be protected against a federal indictment. If so, where was the political protection for other people charged? At least Lombardo and Marcello? It was because they were each charged with additional crimes besides the lone accusation by Nick Calabrese of being at the scene of the Spiolotro murders.

I should also add that Chicago has always had a culture of corruption. The mistake people make is assuming it all revolves around the Outfit or that the Outfit is the one that is pulling all the strings. And because of the history of the Outfit, which did have extensive political connections and a more casual structure involving members and associates, it gives some today the feeling that they can make any connection they want between the mob and a case of corruption.