Bernie Wolfe's big fib

State Rep. Bernard Wolfe, a Machine legislator in a district that included parts of Chicago Wards 39, 40, 45, and 50 (and a very small part of 38) and most of Niles Township, was rumored to be in line for appointment as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge prior to the 1974 Democratic primary election. It was expected that party leaders would then pick somebody else for his legislative seat.

So, Independents gathered to find a legislative candidate of their own. They knew they wouldn’t win the election, but they were well-organized and wanted to force the Machine to fight for the spot. They discussed organizational issues and scheduled a follow-up meeting to identify candidates.

In the meantime, Wolfe had learned of their activities and called the leader of the group. “I’m running,” he declared. “Don’t look for another candidate.”

Although a Machine guy, he had been backed by Independents who felt comfortable with his intellect and his progressive attitudes.

“Let me come talk to you,” he suggested.

So, he attended the next meeting and discussed at great length the legislation he said he would develop in the coming session. Attendees liked him and they liked his ideas. But they knew he was lying to them about becoming a judge. Still, the group disbanded and backed him for re-election.  

But two weeks before Election Day, he was appointed to a judgeship and resigned as a legislative candidate. So, he won the nomination, officially declined it, and the Ward and Township Committeemen, not the voters, named his replacement (more about that later).

Exerpted from “Chicago Political Stories: Devious, Comical, and Just Plain Memorable,” at  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/994143