"Political Machine" is a term used often these days, most often in relation to Chicago and Illinois politics. As a longtime resident of either Chicago or its suburbs, I know what the term means and you might be surprised that I don't think it's all bad. Let me tell you how a machine works in Chicago.

The foundation of the machine in Chicago is on every city block. Each block has a Democratic Precinct Captain. (There's a Republican counterpart as well, but as you'll see, he doesn't really count.) The Precinct Captain is the contact point of each resident on that city block with the City. If you need a pothole fixed in your street or alley, a streetlight replaced, a cracked sidewalk fixed, a leaky sewer line repaired, better garbage pickup--you call the Precinct Captain. He will arrange for the appropriate city agency to get your problem fixed--fast! It would do little for homeowners to contact the appropriate city agency directly; they may or may not tell you to talk to the Precinct Captain, but they certainly would not be responsive to your request.

The relationship with the Precinct Captain goes further. If a family member is sick or hospitalized, families are almost always sent flowers or a basket of prepared food. The birth of a new baby is a particularly recognized event in the precinct. If a breadwinner finds himself out of work, the Precinct Captain can almost always arrange for a job with a City agency. it may not be a great job--maybe a garbage man with Streets & Sanitation--but a job nonetheless. The job doesn't come "for free". While the job is provided, the employee will almost certainly be expected to buy tickets to parties honoring the Precinct Captain or Ward Committeeman, make contributions to political campaign funds, or work at political events.

When it comes to politics, the Precinct Captain plays a key role. First, he is usually involved in the rental of the polling place--often in the basement of one of the houses on the block. He arranges for the election workers and Democratic judges. The endless supply of coffee, sandwiches, candy and fresh flowers for the poll workers comes from--guess who? The Precinct Captain keeps a very accurate count of who's voted and who hasn't as Election Day progresses. If someone hasn't voted by 2-3 PM, the family can be sure to get a phone call asking where they've been. If the weather is bad or they need a ride, it will be provided post haste. And if voters need "help" with the voting machine--they still use those contraptions in Chicago--it will readily be provided. Voting a straight ticket is always an option in Chicago and the Precinct Captain makes sure tht every voter in his precinct knows to "pull 6" or whatever the straight Democratic vote is. There aren't enough Chicago cops to assure that the old Chicago saying, "Vote Early And Vote Often" doesn't become reality. But if all your local needs and requests are satisfied, who's going to complain?

On Election night, the Precinct Captains all are required to show up at the offices of their local political ward to present his election results to the Ward Committeeman. (There's a political ward for each of the fifty city districts or wards that elect an alderman for the Chicago City Council.) Often, the alderman is also the Ward Committeeman. Once there, they make a verbal report of the vote count in their precinct to the Ward Committeeman. If the turnout isn't heavy or if the Democratic vote isn't the required overwhelming count, that Precinct Captain will have some explaining to do. Less than good results often results in a new Precinct Captain appointment without too much delay.

A little later on Election night the same reporting procedure happens when the fifty Ward Committeemen have to "go downtown" to present their voting tallies to the Mayor. Again, the numbers better be right or their highly valued job as a Ward Committeeman is at risk.

So you can see, the machine works. The needs of the residents are well identified and communicated up the line thru the political organization to the City departments. Those needs are generally met very quickly. Unlike the federal or state governments we read about, things get done in Chicago. It prides itself on the description "the city that works".

Is there the opportunity for graft in this patronage-based system? Absolutley. And such things do happen. There are lots of people getting paid by the city who don't go to work very often. Sometimes building materials destined for city projects wind up elsewhere. Building permits and restaurant inspection reports sometimes don't match either codes or actual conditions. When some of these things result in harm to residents or are exposed by the media, retribution is quick and final to the person(s) who stepped too far over the line or weren't careful enough in the conduct of their responsibilities. The ridiculously stupid conduct of Governor Blagojevich is a good example of quick retribution for stepping over the line.

Lots of people around the country and in the media are expressing outrage of this type of system. Take note that few Chicagoans are among them, except for the expression of outrage over Governor Blagojevich, who clearly stepped too far out of normally acceptable political behavior. From all that I've seen reported, I don't think there's even one person standing up to support the Governor, a guy who was elected to a second term in 2006 with more than a 10% plurality over his Republican opponent. When you step too far over the line the retribution is quick and the departure of your political friends even quicker. But generally, most Chicagoans are pleased to live in what is generally recognized as one of the best big cities in the world.

The bottom line is that Chicago is generally a "city that works". The system that makes it work--the machine--isn't perfect and certainly wouldn't meet all the requirements of the Constitution. But I'll tell you one thing, Chicago meets the needs of its residents a whole lot better than either the state or federal government seems to meet the needs of the rest of the country these days.

That's what a "machine" can accomplish.

Thanks for the post Kahuna. Having moved from Chicago, just a year ago, I completely agree with you. The Governor's an idiot and I think all Chicagoan's agree on that. Don't know how he ever got re-elected, but oh well, so did Bush! But the city of Chicago itself is simply splendid. It's a beautiful city, rich in culture and it is, indeed, the city that works.

I love TV, but I'll never stop loving Chicago, warts and all.

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

"Political Machine" is a term used often these days, most often in relation to Chicago and Illinois politics. As a longtime resident of either Chicago or its suburbs, I know what the term means and you might be surprised that I don't think it's all bad. Let me tell you how a machine works in Chicago.

The foundation of the machine in Chicago is on every city block. Each block has a Democratic Precinct Captain. (There's a Republican counterpart as well, but as you'll see, he doesn't really count.) The Precinct Captain is the contact point of each resident on that city block with the City. If you need a pothole fixed in your street or alley, a streetlight replaced, a cracked sidewalk fixed, a leaky sewer line repaired, better garbage pickup--you call the Precinct Captain. He will arrange for the appropriate city agency to get your problem fixed--fast! It would do little for homeowners to contact the appropriate city agency directly; they may or may not tell you to talk to the Precinct Captain, but they certainly would not be responsive to your request.

The relationship with the Precinct Captain goes further. If a family member is sick or hospitalized, families are almost always sent flowers or a basket of prepared food. The birth of a new baby is a particularly recognized event in the precinct. If a breadwinner finds himself out of work, the Precinct Captain can almost always arrange for a job with a City agency. it may not be a great job--maybe a garbage man with Streets & Sanitation--but a job nonetheless. The job doesn't come "for free". While the job is provided, the employee will almost certainly be expected to buy tickets to parties honoring the Precinct Captain or Ward Committeeman, make contributions to political campaign funds, or work at political events.

When it comes to politics, the Precinct Captain plays a key role. First, he is usually involved in the rental of the polling place--often in the basement of one of the houses on the block. He arranges for the election workers and Democratic judges. The endless supply of coffee, sandwiches, candy and fresh flowers for the poll workers comes from--guess who? The Precinct Captain keeps a very accurate count of who's voted and who hasn't as Election Day progresses. If someone hasn't voted by 2-3 PM, the family can be sure to get a phone call asking where they've been. If the weather is bad or they need a ride, it will be provided post haste. And if voters need "help" with the voting machine--they still use those contraptions in Chicago--it will readily be provided. Voting a straight ticket is always an option in Chicago and the Precinct Captain makes sure tht every voter in his precinct knows to "pull 6" or whatever the straight Democratic vote is. There aren't enough Chicago cops to assure that the old Chicago saying, "Vote Early And Vote Often" doesn't become reality. But if all your local needs and requests are satisfied, who's going to complain?

On Election night, the Precinct Captains all are required to show up at the offices of their local political ward to present his election results to the Ward Committeeman. (There's a political ward for each of the fifty city districts or wards that elect an alderman for the Chicago City Council.) Often, the alderman is also the Ward Committeeman. Once there, they make a verbal report of the vote count in their precinct to the Ward Committeeman. If the turnout isn't heavy or if the Democratic vote isn't the required overwhelming count, that Precinct Captain will have some explaining to do. Less than good results often results in a new Precinct Captain appointment without too much delay.

A little later on Election night the same reporting procedure happens when the fifty Ward Committeemen have to "go downtown" to present their voting tallies to the Mayor. Again, the numbers better be right or their highly valued job as a Ward Committeeman is at risk.

So you can see, the machine works. The needs of the residents are well identified and communicated up the line thru the political organization to the City departments. Those needs are generally met very quickly. Unlike the federal or state governments we read about, things get done in Chicago. It prides itself on the description "the city that works".

Is there the opportunity for graft in this patronage-based system? Absolutley. And such things do happen. There are lots of people getting paid by the city who don't go to work very often. Sometimes building materials destined for city projects wind up elsewhere. Building permits and restaurant inspection reports sometimes don't match either codes or actual conditions. When some of these things result in harm to residents or are exposed by the media, retribution is quick and final to the person(s) who stepped too far over the line or weren't careful enough in the conduct of their responsibilities. The ridiculously stupid conduct of Governor Blagojevich is a good example of quick retribution for stepping over the line.

Lots of people around the country and in the media are expressing outrage of this type of system. Take note that few Chicagoans are among them, except for the expression of outrage over Governor Blagojevich, who clearly stepped too far out of normally acceptable political behavior. From all that I've seen reported, I don't think there's even one person standing up to support the Governor, a guy who was elected to a second term in 2006 with more than a 10% plurality over his Republican opponent. When you step too far over the line the retribution is quick and the departure of your political friends even quicker. But generally, most Chicagoans are pleased to live in what is generally recognized as one of the best big cities in the world.

The bottom line is that Chicago is generally a "city that works". The system that makes it work--the machine--isn't perfect and certainly wouldn't meet all the requirements of the Constitution. But I'll tell you one thing, Chicago meets the needs of its residents a whole lot better than either the state or federal government seems to meet the needs of the rest of the country these days.

That's what a "machine" can accomplish.

I personally have never heard anyone say anything bad about Chicago or its people, but am a bit taken back by your well written narrative, where you seem to take great pride in NOT meeting the requirements of the Constitution, the heavy handed activities on election day, etc.

Again never experienced this situation but will be honest and tell you that I would strongly object to the election day activities and circumventing the constitution, it seems with pride !!

Bucco, I have problems with that as well. As they used to say, "At least Mussolini made the trains run on time." Well, he didn't, but that's not the point. How much personal freedom are we willing to give up for a "city that works." Gosh, and isn't that the same argument we heard the libs make about the Patriot Act?

Originally Posted by Number 6

Bucco, I have problems with that as well. As they used to say, "At least Mussolini made the trains run on time." Well, he didn't, but that's not the point. How much personal freedom are we willing to give up for a "city that works." Gosh, and isn't that the same argument we heard the libs make about the Patriot Act?

Liberals/conservatives or independents I dont believe would favor voter intimidation or circumnavigating the constitution !!!!

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

...

...

The bottom line is that Chicago is generally a "city that works". The system that makes it work--the machine--isn't perfect and certainly wouldn't meet all the requirements of the Constitution. But I'll tell you one thing, Chicago meets the needs of its residents a whole lot better than either the state or federal government seems to meet the needs of the rest of the country these days.

That's what a "machine" can accomplish.

And the entire system is a travesty. And it is not limited to Chicago. Every major city had the same set-up, and the Democratic Party operated the system with vigor.

The "political machine" system got its start as ethnic-protection societies and many of the ethnic and racial problems in major cities were either created, enhanced or exploited by this system. In Boston I can remember two very active ethnic "machines," and they operated with great efficiency in vote-gathering, power-grabbing and ruling along ethnic lines. The party was slick, in that it placed all the blame on city control via two ethnic groups on the groups and not the party, and then recruited amongst the others by claiming the party (as the party of the little guy) was in the best position to level the political playing fields amongst the ethnics. The fact that it never happened was testament to superlative salesmanship.

This "captain" also filled the role of party enforcer if someone didn't toe the line according to the party's direction.

So, whether "needs were or are met" or not depends on whether you were or are a member of the class being "protected" by the system. Not everyone was or is, and those not within the protected "class" tend to see things differently.

The "city worked" just as you describe Chicago, but only for the party members who fed the system. For everyone else, they got some of the left-overs, but were out in the cold unless they acquiesced to the party and the block captain.

Sounds to me a lot like other places in the world where a one-party system rules by privilege and force.

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

"Political Machine" is a term used often these days, most often in relation to Chicago and Illinois politics. As a longtime resident of either Chicago or its suburbs, I know what the term means and you might be surprised that I don't think it's all bad. Let me tell you how a machine works in Chicago.

The foundation of the machine in Chicago is on every city block. Each block has a Democratic Precinct Captain. (There's a Republican counterpart as well, but as you'll see, he doesn't really count.) The Precinct Captain is the contact point of each resident on that city block with the City. If you need a pothole fixed in your street or alley, a streetlight replaced, a cracked sidewalk fixed, a leaky sewer line repaired, better garbage pickup--you call the Precinct Captain. He will arrange for the appropriate city agency to get your problem fixed--fast! It would do little for homeowners to contact the appropriate city agency directly; they may or may not tell you to talk to the Precinct Captain, but they certainly would not be responsive to your request.

The relationship with the Precinct Captain goes further. If a family member is sick or hospitalized, families are almost always sent flowers or a basket of prepared food. The birth of a new baby is a particularly recognized event in the precinct. If a breadwinner finds himself out of work, the Precinct Captain can almost always arrange for a job with a City agency. it may not be a great job--maybe a garbage man with Streets & Sanitation--but a job nonetheless. The job doesn't come "for free". While the job is provided, the employee will almost certainly be expected to buy tickets to parties honoring the Precinct Captain or Ward Committeeman, make contributions to political campaign funds, or work at political events.

When it comes to politics, the Precinct Captain plays a key role. First, he is usually involved in the rental of the polling place--often in the basement of one of the houses on the block. He arranges for the election workers and Democratic judges. The endless supply of coffee, sandwiches, candy and fresh flowers for the poll workers comes from--guess who? The Precinct Captain keeps a very accurate count of who's voted and who hasn't as Election Day progresses. If someone hasn't voted by 2-3 PM, the family can be sure to get a phone call asking where they've been. If the weather is bad or they need a ride, it will be provided post haste. And if voters need "help" with the voting machine--they still use those contraptions in Chicago--it will readily be provided. Voting a straight ticket is always an option in Chicago and the Precinct Captain makes sure tht every voter in his precinct knows to "pull 6" or whatever the straight Democratic vote is. There aren't enough Chicago cops to assure that the old Chicago saying, "Vote Early And Vote Often" doesn't become reality. But if all your local needs and requests are satisfied, who's going to complain?

On Election night, the Precinct Captains all are required to show up at the offices of their local political ward to present his election results to the Ward Committeeman. (There's a political ward for each of the fifty city districts or wards that elect an alderman for the Chicago City Council.) Often, the alderman is also the Ward Committeeman. Once there, they make a verbal report of the vote count in their precinct to the Ward Committeeman. If the turnout isn't heavy or if the Democratic vote isn't the required overwhelming count, that Precinct Captain will have some explaining to do. Less than good results often results in a new Precinct Captain appointment without too much delay.

A little later on Election night the same reporting procedure happens when the fifty Ward Committeemen have to "go downtown" to present their voting tallies to the Mayor. Again, the numbers better be right or their highly valued job as a Ward Committeeman is at risk.

So you can see, the machine works. The needs of the residents are well identified and communicated up the line thru the political organization to the City departments. Those needs are generally met very quickly. Unlike the federal or state governments we read about, things get done in Chicago. It prides itself on the description "the city that works".

Is there the opportunity for graft in this patronage-based system? Absolutley. And such things do happen. There are lots of people getting paid by the city who don't go to work very often. Sometimes building materials destined for city projects wind up elsewhere. Building permits and restaurant inspection reports sometimes don't match either codes or actual conditions. When some of these things result in harm to residents or are exposed by the media, retribution is quick and final to the person(s) who stepped too far over the line or weren't careful enough in the conduct of their responsibilities. The ridiculously stupid conduct of Governor Blagojevich is a good example of quick retribution for stepping over the line.

Lots of people around the country and in the media are expressing outrage of this type of system. Take note that few Chicagoans are among them, except for the expression of outrage over Governor Blagojevich, who clearly stepped too far out of normally acceptable political behavior. From all that I've seen reported, I don't think there's even one person standing up to support the Governor, a guy who was elected to a second term in 2006 with more than a 10% plurality over his Republican opponent. When you step too far over the line the retribution is quick and the departure of your political friends even quicker. But generally, most Chicagoans are pleased to live in what is generally recognized as one of the best big cities in the world.

The bottom line is that Chicago is generally a "city that works". The system that makes it work--the machine--isn't perfect and certainly wouldn't meet all the requirements of the Constitution. But I'll tell you one thing, Chicago meets the needs of its residents a whole lot better than either the state or federal government seems to meet the needs of the rest of the country these days.

That's what a "machine" can accomplish.

I can't believe that anyone can condone or applaud the "machine" as you call it. I'm certainly happy not to live in the "city that works" and have to cow to the "machine" to have the city do what they are supposed to do for me.

Originally Posted by gnu

I can't believe that anyone can condone or applaud the "machine" as you call it. I'm certainly happy not to live in the "city that works" and have to cow to the "machine" to have the city do what they are supposed to do for me.

It is actually difficult for me to even comprehend someone posting this and getting a support post on it. Are these not the same who say that others violate the constitution and intimidate voters?

But if it works for your interest I suppose it is ok !!!!