You must understand that I’ve been away (as far as I could get) since ‘65, but Cook County has always been the ‘rat stronghold AND major population area/source of corruption that just dragged the rest of the state along with it.
Only way to clean up the elections in Illinois would be to (starting with Chicago and maybe Springfield) recall/replace/prosecute/impeach every, and I do mean EVERY politician, lawyer, legislator and judge you see.
....kinda like buying an old apartment house and fumigating it for roaches.
What you said (from someone unfortunate enough to still live behind the Iron Curtain).
Let us know when you have a practical idea.
Chicago is a fantastic place even under the RAT Rule. It also is an economic powerhouse which enriches the whole region. Without it the state would be little short of one big farm.
But things are getting better when you consider that Chicago once was run by the Gamblers, Saloonkeepers and Brothel owners. Who knows maybe in another 100 yrs it will be controlled by the People.