Alderman Seeks Bush Pardon For Colleague

A Chicago politician is seeking a pardon for a colleague.

Alderman Ed Smith says President Bush should pardon former Alderman Larry Bloom, the Chicago City Council's self-proclaimed "Mr. Clean" who was muddied when he came into contact with an undercover FBI mole.

Bloom represented Hyde Park and other South Side neighborhoods. He pleaded guilty in 1998 to a single felony tax charge stemming from the Operation Silver Shovel corruption probe. Bloom also admitted accepting bribes from John Christopher in exchange for helping the mob associate's alleged business interests.

Smith says Bloom has paid his debt and should be allowed to be productive and help people.

Bloom says he's surprised by the pardon request and grateful to Smith for taking the initiative without being asked.