In an unprecedented trial for one of Chicago's most influential political figures, former alderman Ed Burke is set to face federal charges of public corruption. Burke, who hails from a long lineage of machine politics in the city, is accused of using his position for personal financial gain. The trial, scheduled to commence on Monday, marks a significant downfall for the once-powerful alderman.

With a background deeply rooted in Chicago's political machine, Burke rose to prominence in the 1980s during the infamous "Council Wars" when he attempted to obstruct the actions of Mayor Harold Washington, the city's first Black mayor. Throughout his illustrious career, Burke wielded immense influence, running the council's Finance Committee and overseeing his eponymous law firm.

However, the tide has turned for Burke. Prosecutors allege that he leveraged his aldermanic role to benefit himself financially, implicating him in a racketeering case involving 14 federal charges. The former alderman, now 79 years old, has entered a plea of not guilty, with his defense team vowing to prove his innocence. If convicted, Burke could face a maximum prison sentence of up to two decades.

The road to trial has been long and arduous for Burke. Despite initially facing charges, he managed to rally support from his constituents and secure reelection in 2019. Nevertheless, as the case progressed, Burke confronted additional charges and eventually lost his ward committeeman post. Changes in ward boundaries also played a role in his decision not to seek reelection as alderman, ultimately culminating in his departure from the City Council earlier this year.

Burke's legal defense has come at a substantial cost. Records indicate that he has utilized nearly $3 million from his campaign funds to cover his lawyers' fees since 2018. His campaign funds have also been directed towards paying legal bills for co-defendant Peter Andrews Jr., a former employee of Burke's ward organization. Furthermore, Burke's campaign records show direct payments of $220,000 to Andrews for consulting services, part of which allegedly went towards legal fees.

Prosecutors contend that Burke's illicit activities were not commensurate with his vast political power. Recorded conversations, including one where Burke allegedly threatened the Field Museum and attempted to extort a Burger King franchise owner, shed light on his brazen approach to accumulating personal gains. Notably, Burke's involvement in trying to secure property tax work for the renovation of the Chicago post office in the West Loop became a focal point of the allegations against him.

As Burke enters the courtroom for his trial, all eyes will be on the outcome of a case that symbolizes the decline of the once-dominant Chicago political machine. The trial will not only determine Burke's fate but also serve as a litmus test for the city's commitment to combating public corruption.