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COMMENTARY :
Alvarez is our pick for state's attorney September 29, 2008
The people of Cook County need a state's attorney who is ready to run the office now, not someone ready to learn on the job. This is the crucial difference between the two candidates running for the job, career prosecutor Anita Alvarez and Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica. Alvarez has been a prosecutor in the Cook County state's attorney's office for 22 years. After graduating from Chicago-Kent College of Law, she worked her way up from the bottom wrungs of the prosecutor's office -- a rare Hispanic women in an old boy's club -- to the office's No. 3 position. Alvarez rose on merit. She is a skilled prosecutor with a long string of convictions, having put behind bars everybody from rogue cops to the infamous thug who so brutally assaulted "Girl X." She has the skills and credibility to lead the county's foot soldiers in the war on crime because she herself has worked years in the trenches. We've heard the arguments against Alvarez: She's the status quo. She's the Machine candidate. She's not the person to shake up the office. Those views equate experience with stagnation. Alvarez, though, comes with fresh ideas to improve the office, including adding prosecution units for mortgage fraud and identity theft. And while Alvarez is reserved and measured in demeanor, she strikes us as no one's pushover. Peraica, too, is no wilting daffodil. In his campaign, he has vowed to fight corruption, calling it another tax on strapped Cook County residents, and we couldn't agree with him more. The problem of official corruption in Cook County has been a recurring theme of ours. Peraica has built his career on battling unnecessary taxation and wasteful spending. He has been an effective pit bull on the county board, sinking his teeth into the excesses of the administration of President Todd Stroger. And it is there -- as a loud watchdog on the county board -- that we think Peraica's talents are best suited. Fighting public corruption is just one responsibility -- and hardly the first responsibility -- of the state's attorney's office, as Alvarez knows from long experience. The office's first job, day in and day out, is to prosecute the thousands of often horrific crimes that can upend civilized life -- the murders and rapes, the beatings and burglaries, the holdups and thefts and drug deals. It is an office of enormous power. Simply by starting an investigation, a prosecutor can savage a person's life. We raise this issue because Peraica, for all his strengths, has revealed a habit of attacking first and mastering the details later, a troubling trait for someone who wants to be the county's top criminal prosecutor. In one instance, for example, Peraica turned a fair shot into a cheap shot. He appropriately questioned whether Alvarez was wise to pick Robert Clifford, a powerhouse personal injury lawyer who has sued the county in the past, to be her campaign finance chairman. Alvarez's response is that if a conflict of interest were to arise, she would deal with it openly. But Peraica went on to suggest that Alvarez somehow violated legal ethics and the law by turning over to Clifford various criminal court files in the case of Girl X, the 9-year-old girl who was raped and beaten in 1997. Clifford was representing Girl X in a civil suit. In truth, Alvarez did not personally turn over any files to Clifford. Rather, he obtained the files through the routine, legal and entirely appropriate discovery process. Peraica is a smart lawyer. He knows better. Alvarez is much more experienced in the world of criminal courts than Peraica. Better yet, she has demonstrated superior judgment. The Chicago Sun-Times endorses Anita Alvarez for Cook County state's attorney. |
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Endorsement Letter from Senator Richard J. Durbin
Dear Friend, Today we find ourselves less than 50 days away from a history-defining election. My fellow Senator Barack Obama has revitalized civic participation across this nation and we are excited by the anticipated record numbers of voters, in Illinois and elsewhere, who will head to the polls on November 4th. It is crucial that voters are also aware of an important county-wide race that will be on the ballot this November – the office of Cook County State’s Attorney. The position is a critical one and the safety and security of our communities over the next four years will depend, in large part, on the integrity and experience of the person who assumes that office. I am very pleased to endorse Anita Alvarez’s candidacy for Cook County State’s Attorney. Anita has a long-standing career as a professional prosecutor and she brings unquestioned integrity and prosecutorial experience to this important office. She has dedicated the entirety of her career to providing a voice for the victims of crime in Cook County and that passion and experience will serve her well as State’s Attorney. Much like Senator Obama, Anita’s story is one that could have only been made possible here in America. Born and raised in Chicago’s Pilsen community, Anita came from humble beginnings. She worked her way through college and law school and joined the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office 22 years ago. Since that time she has risen steadily through the ranks. She currently holds the position of Chief Deputy State’s Attorney, the third-ranking post in the nation’s second largest prosecutorial office. If she is successful in November, Anita will make history as the first woman and the first Hispanic to serve as the Cook County’s State’s Attorney. I am proud to stand with Anita and I encourage you to join with me in lending her the support she needs to complete this historic journey. Please help Anita by forwarding this email to friends and family to spread the word about her candidacy. And visit Anita’s website at www.anitaalvarez.com today to learn about volunteer opportunities or to make a donation to support her historic campaign. Sincerely, Senator Richard J. Durbin |
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THE FOLLOWING LETTER, WRITTEN BY ANITA, APPEARED RECENTLY IN THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, THE DAILY HERALD AND DAILY SOUTHTOWN.
TO THE EDITOR:
The prosecution of violent crime here in Cook County received a major shot in the arm last week when Congress approved legislation that would provide much needed debt relief for prosecutors who dedicate their careers to public service. The measure, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill), would forgive up to $10,000 a year in student loan debts for lawyers who decide to pursue a career in public service as a prosecutor or a public defender. Equally as important, the legislation will allow the debt relief to extend to those already working as prosecutors or public defenders who agree to extend their commitment for three years. If, as expected, this measure is signed by President George W. Bush, it is going to be an enormous help to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and a great enhancement for the criminal justice system in our county. When you consider that the average law school graduate is facing student loan debts that range from $50,000 to $90,000, it is understandable that young lawyers would be more inclined to pursue more lucrative career opportunities in the private sector rather than the public sector, where starting pay levels are much lower. As the Chief Deputy in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, one of my highest priorities has been to recruit quality prosecutors from across the country and that is why we worked very hard over the last several years to help craft this legislation and to lobby for its approval. Sen Durbin has been a champion of this legislation from the beginning and we thank him for his strong support of a measure that will undoubtedly provide long term benefits for the quality of our criminal justice system here in Cook County. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has traditionally experienced difficulty recruiting and retaining minority prosecutors within our ranks and I believe this measure will go a long way to help address that issue as well. It will not only help to ensure that we are hiring more minority prosecutors at the entry level, but even more importantly, retaining and promoting seasoned minority prosecutors who are being recruited out of our office for higher paying positions in private law firms. With the availability of creative funding here in Cook County at diminished capacity, an important initiative such as this that will be funded with federal dollars is a welcome treasure. Sincerely, Anita Alvarez
Chief Deputy State's Attorney and candidate for Cook County State's Attorney |
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ANITA NAMED ONE OF CRAIN'S 'WOMEN TO WATCH 2008'By: Greg Hinz May 05, 2008 
From this week's Focus
ANITA ALVAREZ
DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE • COOK COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY Yes, she's a self-declared "hockey mom" who's — yawn — struggling to balance family and career and has taken to wearing a lot of red power suits lately. She's also a political novice who made history Feb. 5 by beating five men to become the first woman and Hispanic to win a primary for Cook County state's attorney. Anita Alvarez, 48, a career prosecutor and marathon runner — her best finish is 4:12 — is still a relative unknown. But that will change if, as expected, she beats GOP nominee Tony Peraica in the general election in November. |
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ON Q: WITH ANITA ALVAREZ, HISTORIC STATE'S ATTORNEY CANDIDATEBy Demetrius Patterson | N'DIGOnline, March 6-12, 2008 If you ask Anita Alvarez to describe her life in one word today, she doesn’t hesitate with the answer: “Great!” Alvarez readily admits that the stars appear to have lined up in her favor –– along with a good work ethic –– to position the assistant state’s attorney as possibly the first woman and Hispanic to serve as Cook County’s State’s Attorney if elected in November. And just like Barack Obama’s realistic bid to become the first African American president, Alvarez appears to have come from out of nowhere as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the state’s attorney position, running against Republican candidate Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica. Alvarez, like Obama, identifies herself as a “new breed” of political candidate for change. Between doing her job and making appearances at various events, Alvarez, 48, recently took time with N’DIGO to provide some insight on the woman who may be the county’s next state’s attorney. |
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DIGGING FOR AN EPIPHANY ON ALVAREZBy John McCarron | Chicago Tribune, February 8, 2008 
I was shoveling snow thinking about the results of the Democratic primary for Cook County state's attorney, and suddenly it all made sense.. That's another good thing about shoveling. Something about the rhythmic scrape-and-toss sends me to Zenlike trances of deep thought. For you, it may be a hot shower or a second cocktail. For me, there's nothing like a cold winter's morning at the Irish Health Club, alone in my boots, working up a sweat with no dues and no monthly minimums. Hardly anybody saw Anita Alvarez coming. A lot of us had her pegged fifth in a six-candidate race. |
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ONCE COUNTED OUT, ALVAREZ GETS BIG HELP FROM WOMEN, SUBURBS By Rob Olmstead | Daily Herald Staff, February 7, 2008 It's 8 a.m. on the day after elections and some character Anita Alvarez hardly knows is calling her cell phone asking for a job. A few weeks ago, her press secretary, Sally Daly, could barely keep a prominent television political reporter on the phone long enough to say hello. This morning, however, he's tripping over himself to congratulate Alvarez on her victory as she makes the obligatory television appearances, starting at 6 a.m., after a light night of watching the returns. With the exception of her Republican opponent, everyone loves Anita Alvarez. Now. But before Tuesday evening, the 48-year-old prosecutor wasn't getting much credit as being able to win the race. Most major politicians' endorsements went to Chicago Alderman Tom Allen, Chicago Alderman Howard Brookins or Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin. Her own boss, retiring State's Attorney Dick Devine, broke his vow to be neutral and backed his first assistant, Bob Milan. The slights may have irked her just a little -- when a reporter asked her Tuesday night if she thought her opponents had underestimated her, the question was hardly out of his mouth before she forcefully shot back, "YES!" But she also conceded that in some ways that was good. Alvarez avoided many of the attack ads that brought other leading contenders down in the polls. |
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ENDORSEMENT: COOK COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY DEMOCRATSBy Daily Herald Editorial Board, January 29, 2008 With the department beset by a lingering police-brutality controversy, complaints about staff pay and problems related to workload, the word "change" is an appropriate centerpiece in the Democratic race for Cook County state's attorney. But the key is to find the right type of change and the capacity to bring it about. In that context, the best candidate can be found in a surprising place --the office itself. Anita Alvarez, a 21-year veteran of the office, presents a candidacy that addresses its key needs. Where the department's relationship with police may appear too cozy, she urges aggressive prosecution of officers who compromise legal cases or lead to charges against innocent people. Where some minority communities view the department skeptically, her Hispanic heritage gives her both insights into the nature of the complaints and a line of communication on which to build new levels of trust. Where the office faces competing needs for budget cuts and added incentives for experienced prosecutors, she has an insider's knowledge of the system and a clear respect for the attorneys in it that can enable her to find creative solutions. Furthermore, Alvarez has demonstrated the leadership skills needed to make change occur, having run the special prosecutions bureau for more than six years and led the prosecution for some of the agency's most prominent cases. |
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ANITA RECEIVES DAILY HERALD ENDORSEMENTFrom: The Daily Herald, January 29 With the department beset by a lingering police-brutality controversy, complaints about staff pay and problems related to workload, the word “change” is an appropriate centerpiece in the Democratic race for Cook County state’s attorney. But the key is to find the right type of change and the capacity to bring it about. In that context, the best candidate can be found in a surprising place –the office itself. Anita Alvarez, a 21-year veteran of the office, presents a candidacy that addresses its key needs. |
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ANITA ALVAREZ A STANDOUT CANDIDATE, SAYS CHICAGO SUN TIMESFrom: Chicago Sun Times, January 28 In the Cook County state’s attorney race, the six candidates scrambling for the Democratic nomination have all come down with a virulent case of “change-itis.” Obama’s mantra of “change” is as contagious as a January flu bug on a CTA bus. Every candidate has jumped on the throw-the-bums-out bandwagon — including the ones driving the bus. Anita Alvarez and Bob Milan, top deputies to incumbent Dick Devine, assure voters that they are for change. Tom Allen, alderman of the 38th Ward, wants to be the Great Northwest Side Hope for change. 21st Ward Ald. Howard B. “Slow Pay” Brookins Jr. boasts he is the one who can “change the direction of the office through a new vision of strength and fairness.” What he is really counting on is riding the avalanche of voters who will turn out in Chicago’s African-American wards to declare for Obama. Chicago and Cook County have a long tradition of race-based voting. Witness the Todd Stroger debacle. Let’s hope black voters don’t fall for that act again. We can do better |
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LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PAT QUINN ENDORSES ANITA Illinois Lieutenant Governor and top Democrat Pat Quinn on Sunday endorsed Cook County Prosecutor Anita Alvarez in her historic bid for the top job in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“Anita Alvarez is the most independent and qualified candidate in the race for Cook County State’s Attorney,” Quinn said. “She will be a strong prosecutor who will crack down on street crime and official corruption in Cook County, as well as being a strong advocate for taxpayers and consumers.” Alvarez, who faces five opponents in the February 5 Democratic primary, said the Quinn endorsement provides crucial support down the stretch for her independent candidacy.
“It is a distinct honor to receive the endorsement of Pat Quinn, a true political independent and a dedicated public servant,” Alvarez said.
“Whether he has been fighting for consumer protection laws, tax reforms, or veterans issues, Pat Quinn has always put the needs of Illinois citizens first, even when he faced political risks in doing so. As Cook County State’s Attorney, I will do the same.” Alvarez said. |
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STATE’S ATTORNEY RICHARD A. DEVINE’S COMMENTS ABOUT ANITA November 13, 2007 “During the last four years, Anita Alvarez has shown strong leadership, sound judgment and unquestioned integrity as my Chief Deputy,” Devine said. “Anita’s solid character and extensive court room experience over two decades as a prosecutor have marked her distinguished career in the State’s Attorney’s Office.” |
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ANITA ALVAREZ FILES SIGNATURES FOR STATE’S ATTORNEY BID October 29, 2007 (CHICAGO) — On the first day for candidates to file the necessary paperwork for next February’s election, Anita Alvarez today turned in approximately 15,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot in her race for State’s Attorney, saying that she can’t wait to begin campaigning for the top job in the office where she has spent more than two decades. “I’m ready to make the case for why we need steady leadership for positive change, and I am encouraged by the overwhelming support my campaign has been receiving.” Alvarez said. Today is the first day candidates can file. The deadline is November 5. Candidates must file about 5,517 valid signatures of registered voters to qualify for the ballot. Alvarez exceeded that number by over 9,000 signatures. Alvarez, whose successful prosecution of the ‘Girl X Case’ won her widespread praise for putting a child predator behind bars while setting legal precedents to help keep all children safer, oversees the day-to-day operations of more than 900 assistant state’s attorneys in eight different divisions handling felony prosecutions and civil actions. Starting her career in the State’s Attorney’s Office in 1986, Alvarez has served as supervisor of the Public Integrity Unit, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau, Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, and presently serves as the Chief Deputy State’s Attorney of Cook County. |
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ANITA ALVAREZ TO RUN FOR STATE’S ATTORNEY October 24, 2007 Chicago Native and Chief Deputy in State’s Attorney’s Office Uniquely Qualified to Provide the Community Steady Leadership for Positive Change (CHICAGO) — Anita Alvarez, the Chicago native whose successful prosecution of the ‘Girl X Case’ won her widespread praise for putting a child predator behind bars while setting legal precedents to help keep all children safer, announced today that she will run for the top job in the State’s Attorney’s Office where she has spent her outstanding career, saying she will put her experience to use to bring “steady leadership for positive change” to Cook County. “I’m running to make a difference, not history,” said Alvarez, who would be the first woman and first Hispanic to hold the office. “Our challenge is to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. I’m ready to meet that challenge.” |
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