Former U.S. Representative Dan Rostenkowsi has died

[bigworld]

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Dan Rostenkowski was the most important congressman ever to represent Chicago, “Mr. Chairman” of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, confidante of presidents, pride of the Polish community and bringer of millions upon millions of dollars in federal pork home to Illinois, until it all came crashing down in a scandal over minor expenses -- postage stamps and office chairs -- that tarnished his legacy and sent him to prison.

Rostenkowski died today at his summer home in Wisconsin surrounded by family. He was 82.

Never an eloquent speaker, it was Rostenkowski’s inside knowledge and useful connections -- especially with Mayor Richard J. Daley -- that eased his rise, first in Springfield, then in Washington, where he was friendly with presidents from John F. Kennedy to Bill Clinton. He and Lyndon Johnson were particularly close.

Read more: http://www.suntimes.com/news/obituaries/2588996,dan-rostenkowski-dies-representative-081110.article

[davidinalameda]

1. Dan Rostenkowski, former congressman, dead at 82

Source: Washington Post

Dan Rostenkowski, a product of the Chicago Democratic political machine who rose to become one of the most powerful members of the U.S. House of Representatives before he lost his seat and was jailed on felony corruption charges, died Wednesday at his home in Wisconsin. He was 82.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/11/AR2010081103626.html?hpid=artslot

[McCamy Taylor]

2. Bonus RW propaganda points for "Chicago machine". Go Post!

[madrchsod]

3. they do`t make guys like dan anymore...

these new guys could`t shine his shoes

[davidinalameda]

6. is it true or false?

[davidinalameda]

4. Dan Rostenkowski, former congressman, dead at 82

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[BumRushDaShow]

5. I remember a trip to D.C. years ago

when I sat in the House gallery and watched him doing what I expect was a "Special Orders" speech (reading his statment into the record). The rest of the chamber was empty.

For some bizarre reason, I found it ironic that he has left having been a former head of the House Ways & Means committee right when Rangel, also a former head of that same committee, faces some of the same issues that forced Rostenkowski out (both having had 40+ years of service in Congress).

[davidinalameda]

7. Wilbur MIlls was also chair of that committee back in the day

it seems to either attract crooks or breeds them