Ald. Richard Mell (33rd), came out from behind the scenes Wednesday, almost reluctantly taking credit for rallying Democratic forces for his son-in-law, U.S. Rep. Rod Blagojevich, during this year’s campaign.
Mell answered a gaggle of reporters’ questions about his role as what he termed a “loyal father-in-law.” But it was only after an impromptu City Hall news conference that the enthusiastic, gesticulating Mell whom City Hall operatives know and like emerged. He’s a man of many enthusiasms, but most of them have scales and fins.
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“I want fishermen to tell me, if any fisherman’s got a concern, I’ll say, here–that’s one thing that I will try to lobby my son-in-law” about, Mell said after the news conference.
Often the center of controversy, the 27-year City Council veteran has fought hard since he first won office to establish himself as a political powerhouse on the Northwest Side. Starting out as a member of the Young Democrats and a backer of Mayor Michael Bilandic, he emerged as a party leader in the early 1980s when he sided with Mayor Jane Byrne, and was at the center of the Council Wars during Mayor Harold Washington’s tenure.
But Mell knows how to smooth ruffled feathers, and he has built alliances with former opponents since then. Naturally gregarious, he tried to keep himself in the background during Blagojevich’s campaign, though his colleagues say he persuaded them to work hard on the congressman’s behalf.
“He worked with all of us, in the sense that he got us all excited about the campaign,” said Ald. Jesse Granato (1st), who has both fished and politicked with Mell.
Though more hesitant to talk about politics than perch, Mell acknowledged his quiet but crucial role in firming up support for Blagojevich among Democratic committeemen in Chicago and throughout the state. And he said he has decided that instead of retiring after this year, he will run for another term.
“I think I was able to bring him to some of my colleagues early in the game and get commitments of support,” Mell said, while downplaying his role in Blagojevich’s formidable fundraising efforts.
Mell’s connections with powerful Chicago-area Democratic committeemen such as U.S. Rep. William Lipinski (D-Ill.) and Ald. William J.P. Banks (36th) and his recruitment of suburban and Downstate committeemen helped bring out scores of precinct workers Tuesday to get out the vote for Blagojevich.
On Wednesday, the glow of Blagojevich’s success surrounded Mell as aldermen took time out from a council meeting to congratulate him.
During his news conference, Mell deflected suggestions he might take a hand in doling out state jobs under Blagojevich.
“The one thing I would like to have Rod do is to work with the mayor and see if there’s the possibility of creating reefs in Lake Michigan to bring walleyes for us,” said Mell, who is known to keep fresh bait in his car during fishing seasons.