Jury selection began Monday in the trial of former longtime Chicago Ald. Ed Burke.
Burke arrived at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse around 8:30 a.m., accompanied by his wife, former Illinois supreme court justice Anne Burke.
Burke served in the City Council for a record 54 years, beginning in 1969 when he took over the 14th Ward aldermanic seat that was held by his father. For much of that time, he was the powerful chair of the finance committee, which controls how the city spends its money. Burke is accused of using that political power to force businesses to use his law firm for legal work, essentially putting money in his own pocket.
Judge Virginia Kendall has been having some fun and interesting conversation with the jurors, asking them what TV shows they binge, how they get their news, what do they do for a living and whether they have had any experience in the court system. She also asked whether they have ever heard of Ed Burke or any of the details about this case.On Monday, former 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke will to trial on sweeping corruption charges.
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