Burkes try to hold onto Chicago political dynasty as 'Chuy' Garcia takes aim

The Chicago Tribune reports:

The 66-year-old throwback politician’s patience reflects an electoral reality: Burke may need every vote he can muster to hold off Aaron Ortiz, a 26-year-old challenger backed by Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garica in a Southwest Side turf battle that could mark the start of a serious threat to the Burke family political dynasty.

Burke’s brother, Ald. Edward M. Burke, has controlled the 14th Ward as committeeman for 50 years. He’s been the alderman for 49 years. He took over both positions after his father, Joseph P. Burke, died of lung cancer after serving 15 years as alderman.

Over the years, Ed Burke has built one of the strongest ward organizations the city has ever seen. As Chicago’s undisputed most powerful alderman, he has controlled the Finance Committee — and City Hall’s purse strings — for decades. He is the longest-serving alderman in Chicago’s 180-year history.

But in the 65 years that the Burke family has run its political machine, the Southwest Side has changed dramatically. A bungalow belt once made up of Polish, Lithuanian and other Eastern European white ethnics made way for a Mexican-American and immigrant population. Despite the demographic changes, Ed Burke has retained an ironclad command of the ward, running virtually unopposed election after election.

Garcia wants to loosen that grip.

Are changes coming?