Longtime Chicago political reporter has died

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Longtime political reporter here in Chicago, Jack Conaty has died at the age of 77.

Hired in 1987 by Channel 32, Conaty covered both local and national political stories like a chess player, coming to the city after working the political beat in DC.

Here he is covering the health care reform debate in Congress in 2009:

“The president did put some meat on the bones of health care reform in the United States but had to share the spotlight briefly with South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson, who called the president a liar in the middle of the speech."

He's remembered for his political insight, wit, and for never wasting a word.

The Tribune reports he died from complications related to cancer.

Conaty died on Wednesday in Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by his two daughters and his wife.

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