Slating Lundy

The Machine had lost a legislative seat to Joe Lundy in 1972 and knew it would lose to him again in 1974. So, it offered to endorse him for a second term, so it would look like they were now on the same team.

But it insisted he publicly ask for that endorsement at an “open” slating session, so it would appear that he wanted its support, not that it wanted to support him.

Several potential candidates, including Lundy, made presentations and asked for the group’s support. Richard Devine, at the time an Assistant Chicago Corporation Counsel, and a rising star in the Machine, was rumored to be its candidate (he later became the leader of the 50th Ward Daley faction and was elected Cook County State’s Attorney).

He was the last person to speak, and in his remarks endorsed State Representatives Arthur Berman and Joseph Lundy for re-election. That was the cue that Lundy was going to be endorsed.