This blog entry is a perfect example of what I and some others are talking about when it comes to Chicago. The heading is "Chicago Outfit Alive and Well in Illinois Politics." And the guy goes on to say that "members of the Outfit are as powerful as almost any Illinois politician." But as you go down that list of people who attended Benigno's fundraiser, most of them are relatives of deceased Outfit guys.
This begs the question, are these people really examples of the Outfit being involved in and influencing Illinois politics? Or is it simply friends, associates, or descendants of dead Outfit members who are involved in politics but not really acting at the direction of the Outfit today, although the Outfit may still benefit in some ways? In other words, are they just assimilating into the larger fabric of Chicago politics, which has always involved cronyism and corruption?
I think we'll continue still see this stuff years from now when the Outfit itself is no more. People involved in Chicago business and politics who had some mob connection way back when. Or are related to some dead guy who was connected way back when.
Ivy League are you Wiseguy from RD?
Here is what you forgot to highlight in your post: The author...Frank Cocanante, is not just "some random businessperson or Outfit fanboy." It's Frank Cocanante. He grew up in Elmwood Park and was close with Calabrese Jr. (see pic) along with plenty of other mobsters. It's not some random guy who has access to Google and makes "connections" himself. This is a guy who grew up around real mobsters and continues to associate with them in their neighborhoods and homes.
Joe Fosco is the same thing--he knows these guys intimately. He knows what's a real connection and what isn't.
