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.

A native of Chicago’s Pilsen community, Alvarez has more than 21 years of hands-on experience at nearly every top level of the State’s Attorney’s Office. She has personally tried hundreds of felony cases on crimes that include homicide, criminal sexual assault, gang and drug-related crimes and public corruption. Alvarez is the first woman and the first Hispanic to seek the office of Cook County State’s Attorney.
In her current role as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney, Alvarez oversees the day-to-day operations of more than 900 assistant state’s attorneys. Over the course of her career Alvarez has served as Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau and Supervisor of the Public Integrity Unit.

Alvarez is perhaps best known as one of the top prosecutors in the high profile “Girl X” case, in which a 9-year-old girl was sexually attacked and left for dead in the Cabrini Green housing project. Alvarez helped lead prosecutorial efforts to secure a 120-year sentence against Patrick Sykes, whose brutal attack on the girl left her paralyzed, blind and unable to speak.

If elected Cook County State’s Attorney, Alvarez is promising an ambitious agenda for change and a pledge to keep political influence out of the office. Among her top priorities would be cracking down on violent gang, gun, and drug crimes; opening community-based State’s Attorney’s offices, and improving prosecution of domestic violence and sexual assault cases.