One gang-banger's political past

Julio's street-tough looks served him well when he was deep into drugs and violence.

They were just as helpful in politics.

Julio--not his real name--punches the clock on a legitimate job now.

But he used to be an Inca--a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings--until he retired a few years ago. And he wielded that power on Election Day with a precinct crew of 10 foot soldiers from his gang.

They never actually asked their neighbors to vote for their candidate. They didn't have to.

"I would greet you and you would see the button," Julio said of the campaign pin on his dress shirt.

Julio and his guys each were paid $40 at the end of the day, which immediately vanished in booze, dope and dinner.

The candidate's promise of city jobs evaporated almost as quickly.<

Julio moved from Humboldt Park to Uptown. But the political landscape remained the same.

Gang members loitered outside the alderman's office, hoping for beer money in exchange for sweeping the sidewalk.

On Election Day they'd tear down opponents' signs--among the petty dirty tricks he calls "the incognito thing." They also passed out palm cards for their candidate.

Julio wasn't involved in the Nov. 5 election, but he watched his former gang brothers play out the same ritual.

Jobs were promised. They campaigned. Their candidates won. And on Nov. 6, they were back on the corner, hustling and getting high.

"It's going on everywhere," he said. "Every part of town there is an alderman doing it. They open the door, but they don't let you through. They use you and they lose you."

Frank Main and Carlos Sadovi