Vrdolyak 29

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The Vrdolyak 29 was a group of 29 Chicago Aldermen who regularly opposed mayor Harold Washington during his first term in office (1983-1987). It was characterised by using race as a dividing factor between the white Democrats and the Mayor. Edward Vrdolyak used his power to undermine the mayor, and thus, this time in the City Council is called the Council Wars. Edward Vrdolyak, Finance Chair Edward Burke and Parks Commissioner Edmund Kelly -- were supported by then - State's Attorney Richard M. Daley, U.S. Congressman William Lipinski, U.S. Congressan Dan Rostenkowski, and other powerful white Democrats tried to bring Mayor Harold Washington down. The use of racial overtones by the Vrdolyak 29 was unprecedented.

The roots of the Vrdolyak 29 can be found in the previous mayoral administrations. Many of the alderman were increasing their power base against, then, mayor Jane Byrne. Vrdolyak and others did not like the fact that a woman was in charge.

After the election of Harold Washington, 'Fast Eddie' Vrdolyak and other white politicians resented the fact that Harold Washington, a black man, was elected to the mayoral seat.

The Vrdolyak 29 were never able to override the mayoral veto. An override needs 30 votes, and they were never able to get the one vote, despite using heavy political muscle to get it.

After the court mandated aldermanic elections in 1986, the Vrdolyak 29's power diminished. Alderman Mell reconciled with Mayor Washington, citing pressure from Vrdolyak as to why he was against the Mayor.

Members of the group include Edward Vrdolyak, Edward Burke, Edmund Kelly, Richard Mell, Michael F. Sheahan, Bernard Stone.