The Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman reports:

Chicago aldermen who will pass judgment on the expansion of Wrigley Field and the Cubs’ request for more night games have each been offered a pair of playoff tickets for as long as the Cubs stay alive.

Scalpers are charging anywhere from $300 to $1,500 a ticket for Games 3 and 4 of the Cubs’ divisional playoff series against Atlanta. Aldermen will pay face value of $35 per ticket for upper box seats.

But don’t worry, it’s just a “courtesy gesture” and “has nothing to do with politics,” according to 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney, who’s been leading the fight to get the Cubs permission to play 12 more night games at Wrigley.

Not only have the Cubs finally figured out a winning formula on the field, it looks like they’re on the ball when it comes to prevailing in the political game.