VIDEO AT SUNTIMES.COM

Watch Fran Spielman’s interview with Ald. Pat O’Connor.

of the City Council. They all voted for me to be the vice chairman. And they all voted for the rules that make me the successor as a result of his inability to perform,” he said.

Now that Burke has relinquished the top spot, O’Connor is the new poster boy for old-school politics in Chicago.

He’s not only second in seniority to Burke. During the Council Wars power struggle that saw 29 mostly white aldermen led by Burke and then-Ald. Edward Vrdolyak (10th) thwart then Mayor Harold Washington’s every move, O’Connor was a member of the Vrdolyak 29, albeit the most moderate voice.

On Friday, O’Connor tried to take the bullseye off his back.

“At one point in time, having experience and being steady and dependable were virtues. Now apparently, they’re not. Now, having no work history, living in your parents’ basement until you get elected, knowing nothing — now, that’s the best way?” he said.

“Longevity isn’t a gift. It’s earned. I’ve been there a helluva long time because the people I represent think I do a good job and because Chicago has benefitted by decisions that I’ve made and had input into. Local voters will determine whether it’s time for me to retire.”

As for the post-Burke stampede toward ethics reform, O’Connor said it’s a study in political avoidance.

“If I was running for mayor, I certainly would rather stand up . . . and talk about Ed Burke and conflicts of interest than how I was gonna solve the pension problem, than how I was gonna make the city safer,” he said.

Although Burke has been charged with attempted extortion, he has vowed to remain on the ballot.

O’Connor said he’s not at all certain “it stays that way.”

“It’s not what I would do . . . I wouldn’t have the fortitude,” said O’Connor, who came close to political retirement.

“If I were unfortunate enough to be in that position, I don’t think I would put myself before the people and say, ‘Vote for me still.’ ”