Cook County Democratic Chairman/Lobbyist/ Commissioner of Tax Appeals

The Chicago Tribune has an unforgettable editorial:

Where but Illinois can you find a candidate for public office crowing about his success as a lobbyist, working hard to bring gambling to your neighborhood?

That's Cook County Democratic Party Chairman Joe Berrios, who's running for county assessor. He also represents the Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association, which scored big last year when the General Assembly passed a law to legalize video gambling in any establishment with a liquor license. This week, Berrios pushed through another bill that allows truck stops and fraternal lodges to host the machines too.

"It's a win-win for the state," says the Berrios campaign news release. "Our unemployment rate is at an all-time high and our schools are crumbling. This new revenue will help in so many ways. … I'm pleased that I could help get this bill passed during such a difficult fiscal time." It might as well have been headlined, "You're welcome."

No word yet from Joe Berrios' boss.