Former Rep. Dan Rostenkowski (D-IL) has died at age 82.
The Chicago Sun Times notes he was "the most important congressman ever to represent Chicago, 'Mr. Chairman' of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, confidante of presidents, pride of the Polish community and bringer of millions upon millions of dollars in federal pork home to Illinois, until it all came crashing down in a scandal over minor expenses -- postage stamps and office chairs -- that tarnished his legacy and sent him to prison."