The term came from a satirical comedy sketch of the same name written and performed by comedian and journalist Aaron Freeman in 1983, using the good vs. evil plot line of the film Star Wars as a device.
The Vrdolyak 29 had a majority of votes, but not enough to override Washington's veto, thus creating legislative gridlock.
Meanwhile, Washington's allies sued the city in Federal court, claiming that the ward map drawn up after the 1980 Census had unfairly dispersed Black and Hispanic voters.
A group of several remaining aldermen from the Vrdolyak 29, including Alderman Richard Mell, went to Washington to promise future cooperation.
Washington died of a heart attack later that year, with Alderman David Orr becoming interim mayor.
They chose Alderman Eugene Sawyer, a Regular Democrat who sided with Washington during Council Wars.