In 1979, Alderman Burke was attempting to change jobs and run for the Cook County States Attorney. In the Democratic party primary he was up against State Senator Richard M. Daley. First Ward Democratic Committeeman John D'Arco Sr. visibly backed Alderman Burke. John D' Arco Sr. was identified on page 322 of
this book by former senior FBI agent William Roemer as a "made member" of the Chicago Mob. On November 28, 1979 Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Wiedrich wrote a column titled "JOHN D'ARCO'S WRONG NUMBERS" (Sorry no link). Here's an important quote:
Instead of lurking in the shadows that have characterized his career as 1st Ward boss, D' Arco has come out in the open in behalf of Mayor Byrne's choice for the Democratic state's attorney's nomination, Ald. Edward M. Burke (14th).
Last weekend, on the eve of the Cook County Democratic Central Committee's slate making sessions, D' Arco joined Mayor Byrne in making arm-twisting phone calls in support of Burke's candidacy.
D'Arco leaned heavily on ward committeemen whose votes will be crucial in deciding whether Burke or State Sen. Richard M. Daley will be the party's nominee for county prosecutor.
John D'Arco, of the Chicago Mob, sure wanted Alderman Burke in the position of the top law enforcement officer for Cook County.
What is it about Alderman Burke that makes him so likable to a "made member" of the Chicago Mob? Today, in 2009, Alderman
Burke slates all the judges in Cook County. The 1979 Trib. article we sited above has a rather important fact in terms of what went on in Chicago after the death of Mayor Daley(1955-1976):
Ald. Fred Roti(1st) became an almost daily visitor to the mayor's office. And that 1st Ward relationship with the 5th floor at City Hall has become even closer with the election of Jane Byrne.
So, not only was Alderman Roti a "close" advisor to Mayors Bilandic and Byrne: he was a
high ranking made member of the Chicago Mob, who Alderman Burke happened to be friends with.
