An article from the Chicago Tribune published in 2005 seemed to take issue with U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's approach to government patronage:
With two head-turning complaints filed in federal court Monday, U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald has moved the issue of patronage hiring into the criminal realm, a bold step that has raised the stakes in City Hall--and, if Fitzgerald is successful, possibly around the country.
In fact, the story was written from the perspective that "pay to play" was such an important part of Illinois politics that, at least according to Chicago's mayor Daley, Fitzgerald's prosecution threatened to eliminate the solid underpinnings of a necessary evil:
The first counteroffensive from Daley loyalists Monday was to argue that it remains a matter for civil litigation, not criminal. Daley repeated that theme Tuesday.
"It's important to note that for more than 30 years, through six administrations, such [Shakman] violations have all been treated as civil, not criminal, matters--at least until now," Daley said.
And guess who weighed in on the issue taking up the defense of the corrupt system of political patronage in Chicago? None other than Obama spokesman David Axelrod:
Daley ally and adviser David Axelrod said that some of the alleged conduct, such as faking interview results, would be clearly wrong. But he said Fitzgerald's effort to criminalize patronage could eliminate job recommendations altogether.
"His grand vision is of a day when you just go, put in your application, take a test and get hired, and recommendations have no place," Axelrod said. "It's a very sobering and profound thing. I don't think it's legally just, and I don't think it's wise."
Welcome to the big leagues Barry!
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