In reply to: Yeah, it never mattered that Kelly was a craven mercenary posted by ACross
...(Jaysus, Mary & Joseph, that's a long time ago, sort of).
Anyway, the ward heelers in Chicago's 19th used the phrase to mean someone's clout/connection, but I doubt I've heard it used in decades, except in private conversations over drinks on Western Avenue with older-timers than me ("Studs Casey? Wasn't his [guy] from Ed Kelly's organization?"). Now people will just say, so-and-so's clout.
used in the context as one's sponsor or patron at an organization or firm.
Because it has nothing to do with race, I find it acceptable. Like calling somebody Chief. Or shanty lace curtain Irish mick.
if the rumors are true, it appears you were right and I was wrong about Swarbrick's press conference favoring Fickell over Freeman