Michael Shakman has been working for decades to weed out the seediness in Chicago politics. The Shakman Decree is supposed to keep political clout from influencing city hiring decisions. At least in theory. Now, Michael Shakman is asking a federal judge to extend the same rules across the state. He’d also like to see an independent monitor appointed, to ensure they are enforced – probably the stickiest element of any anti-patronage efforts. Richard Steele spoke with attorney Michael Shakman about what role corruption may have played in the recent elections.

Music Button:  Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, “Harlem By The Sea”, from the CD Saavy Show Stoppers, (Cargo)