Illinois corruption 12/3/12: Jury selection begins tomorrow for "the hog with the big nuts"

Jury selection for the federal corruption trial of Cook County Commissioner William Beavers (D-Chicago) begins tomorrow. It was supposed to start today, but the South Sider's lawyer was ill.

Beavers, who once boasted of his political clout by proclaiming himself "the hog with the big nuts," is accused of using campaign funds to pay off gambling losses incurred at a Northwest Indiana casino. It's a pity he couldn't have lost that money at an Illinois gaming establishment.

The feds view those cash transfers--or loans--as taxable. Beavers did file amended tax returns, but apparently only after he learned that he was under investigation. Beavers says he will testify in his own defense and Judge James Zagel--who presided over the trial of President Obama's crony Tony Rezko--will allow the commissioner to tell jurors that the loans were repaid.

Outside of Chicago Beavers is best known for his long-running political feud with the family of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Sandi Jackson, the wife of embattled former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., ousted Beavers' daughter to become alderman of Chicago's 7th Ward. The following year Sandi defeated William to become Democratic committeeman of the ward.

Beavers was the alderman prior to his daughter's appointment to the seat. Unlike Sandi, father and son actually lived in Chicago while serving on the City Council. Ms. Jackson resides in Washington DC.

Jesse Jr. of course has his own problems with the feds.

Chicago, Illinois--it's a one-of-a-kind place.

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