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Article: It's Speech vs. Spoils In Patronage Dispute; Contractor Lost Work When Contributions Ended
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- March 19, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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In this season of political campaigns, John Gratzianna's tale
is a cautionary one for those seeking the spoils of victory.
Gratzianna, a bearded, burly man of 6-foot-3, started a towing
business in suburban Northlake, Ill., 35 years ago. It grew from one
truck to a fleet of 18. Along the way, to develop business with
municipalities and stay on police department dispatch lists, he
donated money and services to politicians. He contributed to
campaigns, bought raffle tickets and took out ads for municipal
events.
But then in the early 1990s, "the rent went up," Gratzianna
said in a recent interview. Candidates wanted bigger contributions.
Gratzianna balked at the demands and that ...