Chicago Machine Politician Hands Out 7000 pumpkin pies and hams to Influence Voters

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on powerful Chicago Alderman Burke's brother, Dan Burke :

Burke pleads guilty to passing out about 7,000 pumpkin pies and hams over the holidays — all donated by Pete’s — the local grocery story — to Burke’s brother, Ald. Edward Burke’s 14th Ward organization. Most voters got coupons to redeem the hams and pies at the store. On top of that, he gave out free turkeys to the poor and passed out about 2,000 cards that give voters 20 percent discounts on prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, Dan Burke said.

“All that’s been checked out, and it’s all legal,” Burke said.

The state election code says anyone giving away “anything of value” in exchange for a vote could be prosecuted for a Class 4 felony.

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