Edward Vrdolyak

Edward Vrdolyak was a powerful Long time Chicago Alderman and noted Chicago Lawyer. Edward Vrdolyak was also head of the Cook County Democratic Party.

Edward Vrdolyak led the Chicago city council in opposing Mayor Harold Washington from 1983-1987. This deadlock was characterised as " The Council Wars". In one famous comment on the wars, Washington declared that he held a majority, despite the fact that his faction numbered only 21 as opposed to Vrdolyak's 29 members.

Edward Vrdolyak years before had earned the nickname "Fast Eddie" Vrdolyak because of his ability to get his programs pushed through the city council.

Harold Washington's second term went smoother and saw Vrdolyak's political clout decrease after the alderman left the Chicago Democratic party.

On November 25, 1987, Harold Washington suddenly died of a heart attack in his office. David Orr served as mayor for 8 days until the city council choose Eugene Sawyer to serve as Mayor.

in 1989 Edward Vrdolyak ran for mayor of Chicago as a Republican losing to Richard M.Daley. In the years after his election defeat Edward Vrdolyak returned to his law practice.