It sounds like they're using 'Chicago politician' as a character description (valid or not). Similar to how people might use Nazi (e.g. Grammar Nazi, or "You're such a Nazi!") etc.

and has never run for elected office.

But Attorney General is a political position, e.g. appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the U.S. President.

So is Administrator of NASA. I don't think being appointed AG makes you a politician.

"You think – excuse me – if you’ll pardon me – do you think American Presidents reward virtue?

Do they choose their appointees on the basis of the virtue of the people appointed or on the basis of their political clout?

Is it really true that political self-interest is nobler somehow than economic self-interest? You know, I think you’re taking a lot of things for granted. Just tell me where in the world you find these angels who are going to organize society for us ? Well, I don’t even trust you to do that." -Milton Friedman

Agree. I've lived both places. Clearly, NYC has more slippery characters. /bash

I've also heard that he puts ketchup on his hotdog.