Wirtz, William and associated companies

William Wirtz owns several companies, including liquor distribution, insurance, banks, real estate, and sporting teams. His liquor interests include Judge and Dolph, based in Chicago; Edison Liquor, based in Wisconsin; Deluca Liquor, based in Las Vegas; and Griggs, Cooper & Co., based in St. Paul, Minnesota. All gave heavily when Wirtz was seeking passage of the Wine and Spirits Fair Dealings Act, a law more commonly known as the Wirtz Law. The Act passed in 1999, but was declared unconstitutional and was repealed by the legislature in 2002. Wirtz' other holdings include an interest in the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team and the United Center. For more information on the Wirtz Law, see Tip the Bar, issue briefing #12. William Wirtz died in September of 2007. His eldest son, William Rockwell "Rocky" Wirtz, took over most of his father's responsibilities, including ownership of the Chicago Blackhawks and management of Wirtz Corporation.

From 1993 through June 30, 2002, William Wirtz and these associated companies gave $449,000 to candidates for Illinois statewide constitutional and legislative office, 56% of which was contributed to Democrats.

Last revised June, 2011.