ANITA ALVAREZ A STANDOUT CANDIDATE, SAYS CHICAGO SUN TIMES

From: 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

There are two standouts. Alvarez, the third-ranking executive in the office, is a political outsider and crackerjack prosecutor. She has 21 years of staunch advocacy for the victims of street crime and domestic violence. She can keep the old boys in line.

Larry Suffredin’s fatal flaw may be his longtime lobbying for gambling, tobacco and drug interests. It raises conflict of interest questions that are tough to set aside.

Still, Suffredin has made fighting gun violence a signature initiative. He’s got the NRA and its minions in a frenzy. His plan to go after gun shop owners and others who are peddling death on our streets will save our children.

Anita Alvarez

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ANITA ALVAREZ A STANDOUT CANDIDATE, SAYS CHICAGO SUN TIMES