Blago's father-in-law may be out as Chicago ward boss

Although they were estranged years before disgraced former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich began his federal prison sentence, it's safe to say that without former Chicago alderman and longtime 33rd Ward Democratic committeeman Dick Mell, Blago would never have had a political career.

Like Dr. Frankenstein's creation, the monster turned on Mell when he had the first opportunity, which was shortly after Blago won his first gubernatorial election.

In what appears to be an upset, unknown Aaron Goldstein holds a narrow lead over Mell for the office of ward committeeman. Mell resigned his aldermanic post in the tradition of Chicago pols--greasing the way for a handpicked successor. In his case it was for his daughter, Deb, who is of course Blago's sister-in-law.