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.
Full story: Former U.S. Representative Dan Rostenkowsi has died :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Obituaries