Alvarez pulls ahead in Cook County state’s attorney race

MEDILL NEWS SERVICE

Early polls Tuesday night showed prosecutor Anita Alvarez in the lead for Democratic nomination for the Cook County state’s attorney.

With 80 percent of the vote counted, Alvarez had 27.28 percent of it.

Ald. Tom Allen (38th) trailed slightly with 26.68 percent. County Commissioner Larry Suffredin followed with 25.59 percent, and Ald. Howard B. Brookings Jr. (21st) held fourth position with 10.74 percent.

Prosecutor Robert Milan and former defense attorney and FBI agent Tommy Brewer were well behind, polling in the single digits.

“We’re very happy,” said Mike Hernandez, Alvarez’s head of field operations, about 90 minutes after the polls closed. “This is the return we were expecting.”

After holding the position for the past 11 years, State’s Atty. Richard Devine chose not to run for re-election. This is the first time in 40 years with no incumbent on the ballot in the primary race for state’s attorney.

The state’s attorney is Cook County’s head prosecutor and manages more than 950 lawyers.

In a race that has been overshadowed by a contentious presidential campaign, candidates have tried to attract powerful endorsements in the hopes that voters will pay attention.
Barack Obama, who mave no endorsements, still figured prominently in the race, “Barack Obama is bringing out younger voters,’’ said Sufferdin.” My campaign had more appeal to them.”

Jesse Jackson Jr. endorsed Suffredin, while Jackson’s father Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. threw his support behind Brookins.

Allen has the support of the fraternal Order of Police. Alvarez was backed by Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, and Devine supported Milan, his second-in-command.

The Democratic nominee will face Republican Anthony Peraica in November.