Giannoulias Attends Fundraiser Hosted By Shady Chicago Insider, DiPiazza

A developer alleged Thursday that political operatives from Mayor Richard Daley's native 11th Ward shut down work on his upscale Bridgeport subdivision when he refused to give them favors. In a federal lawsuit that adds new political intrigue to the controversy over the Bridgeport Village development, businessman Thomas Snitzer said he was strong-armed by Timothy Degnan, a former top aide to Daley, and Thomas DiPiazza, a real estate developer and consultant described in the suit as Degnan's "top lieutenant." They sought kickbacks and demanded discount prices on homes for City Hall insiders and used influence in the Daley administration to stop him when he wouldn't go along, according to the lawsuit. 

In Chicago, it’s great to be an “insider,” and surely Joseph DiPiazza hopes his connection with Ali G will pay off.

It’s hard to tell how well Ali G and DiPiazza know each other, but here’s video from last night’s event of the candidate for Barack Obama’s former Senate seat welcoming the co-hosts:

DiPiazza has given $2,250 to Ali G’s campaign, according to FEC disclosures.

DiPiazza announced the fundraised on his Twitter page, saying, “I'm hosting an event for #ILSEN Candidate Alexi @Giannoulias this THURS, 5-6-10 @DeLuxBar&Grill (669 N. Milwaukee) 6-8p DM me for FREE TIX.”

For non-insiders, tickets to the fundraiser were $40 in advance, $50 at the door. But, in the DiPiazza way, tickets were free for those in the know.

But the part of DiPiazza's Twitter account that might be most revealing is his photo collection. Which, for lack of a better description, contains lewd pornographic images, that show him weirdly obsessed with men’s genitalia (warning: extremely graphic and disturbing photos!).