Or, at least, the County of Cook, its most populated center.
You'd think we'd learn after convicting four of our last seven governors. (No, seriously, 4 out of 7 became jailbirds, the last one being Bloggo, he who would sell a senate seat to Jesse Junior)
Larry Beavers was forced to leave the County board, in exchange for pretty orange jumpsuits, fingerprinting, a free cot and three squares. Convicted Streets and Sans boss, Al Sanchez was released from prison 5 months ago. He filed his petition to appear on the ballot for Beavers' seat.
Also running for a Board seat is convicted Aldercritter Isaac Carothers, whose release was a bit earlier.
Despite its sordid, sorry, sad, and salacious background, Chicago actually has a strong ethics ordinance. Former convicts are barred from running for mayor, city clerk, city treasurer or alderman. But the state, county and federal offices coming up for the next election have no such ban. So, as one county board member goes to jail, two convicts are running for seats on the board.
All we need is Stroger's son to run again for the County Board. Todd Stroger fell into disgrace and lost his re-election bid. While Todd (son of the deceased long time Cook County tsar and Board President, John Stroger) was not convicted of a crime, his top two aides at the County board were. Carla Oglesby and Eugene Mullins.
Over the years, I have met folks who considered running for office, but who had some reluctance due to bad grades in school - (see generally, former Mayor Richie Daley), Drug use - (see the GOP US House of Reprehensibles) or divorce or sex scandals (See Senator Vitter, among others). It appears that many people no longer have a sense of responsibility, history, or regret for bad acts in their yute. (Don't get me started about pot. I am a strong supporter of reforming marijuana laws).
I guess running for office in Illinois just comes naturally to criminals.