17 Facts About Emil Jones

Emil Jones studied at Chicago's Tilden Technical High School, where he graduated in 1953.

Emil Jones went on to earn an Associate in Arts degree from the Loop Junior College.

The son of a bailiff who was Chicago Democratic precinct captain, Jones began his political career working for John F Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election.

Emil Jones's career included 30 years on the city payroll, 20 with the Sewer Department, where he retired as an inspector in 1993.

Emil Jones began his elected career in 1973, when he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.

Emil Jones served in that capacity from 1973 to 1983.

Emil Jones lost Democratic primary bids for a congressional seat in 1988 and 1995.

Emil Jones had a big hand in Barack Obama's 2004 US Senate win by introducing the then little-known liberal state senator to the right people and letting him handle some important legislation to help raise his political profile.

Emil Jones is a member of the Forum of Senate Presidents' Board of Directors and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's Board of Directors.

Emil Jones had feuds during his time in office with other Democrats, most notably House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Emil Jones has been an ally of impeached ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Emil Jones teamed with fellow Chicago Democrat Blagojevich to propose plans for health care and education, paid for by $5 billion in increased business taxes and gambling.

When Emil Jones attended strategy session meetings regarding the 2007 budget, he barred one of the members of his own leadership because he feared the member would leak information to Madigan.

Emil Jones has steered state money to a few favored institutions, including some that employ his relatives.

Emil Jones faced scrutiny after it was reported that his wife received a $70,000 pay raise two months after she and Emil Jones were married and four months after she started her position, when Governor Rod Blagojevich created a special salary class for her position.

Emil Jones announced in August 2008 that he would retire in January 2009.

Emil Jones was instrumental in then-State Senator Barack Obama's United States Senate campaign.