With nine weeks to the Illinois March primary, Cook County Democrats made an unprecedented move to reopen their slating process for the state's attorney race, bringing the potential for them to throw support to candidate Kim Foxx.
The party decided Friday to reopen its slating process. Originally when the Democrats met in August, they decided not to slate any candidate in the race.
Anita Alvarez is running for her third term, but has faced criticism for the delay in charging police officer Jason Van Dyke in the Laquan McDonald shooting.
"The decision demonstrates the growing recognition that Cook County’s criminal justice system is broken--and incumbent Anita Alvarez had a hand in breaking it," Foxx spokeswoman Joanna Klonsky said in a statement. "Democrats all across the County have lost faith in her leadership. We are pleased to be considered for endorsement by the diverse leaders of the Democratic Party, and Kim looks forward to discussing her 12-year track record as a prosecutor, and her vision for holistic criminal justice reform.”
While the decision appears to be a done deal, it certainly could produce some political drama.
The decision pits Foxx supporters like Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle against Alvarez supporters like House Speaker Mike Madigan.
Any candidate appreciates slating by the party, because with it comes, not only campaign cash, but much needed volunteers for getting voters to the polls.
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The Cook County Democratic Committeemen will meet Jan. 13 to reconsider slating in the state’s attorney race. A third Democrat on the ballot is Donna Moore.
More, a former federal prosecutor and state prosecutor, criticized the party's move, calling it "a blatant attempt to force feed an unqualified candidate down voter’s throats.”
