Oberman's allies

During Jane Byrne’s term as Mayor, Aldermen allied with then-Cook County State’s Attorney Rich Daley- William Lipinski (23dd), Michael Sheahan (19th), and Patrick Huels (11th) - often voted with Independents if a proposed ordinance was introduced by 43rd Ward Alderman Martin Oberman.

Oberman had endorsed Daley in his race for State’s Attorney against Republican Bernard Carey, who had been endorsed by IVI-IPO. The Daley guys considered Oberman to be an ally.

But they did not vote for ordinances introduced by 5th Ward Alderman Larry Bloom, who, like Oberman, was an Independent. Bloom had not supported Daley and was not a Daley ally. Those Aldermen felt no obligation to do anything to support him.

They were Machine guys but they were opposed to Byrne, who was Daley’s political enemy.