Prosecutor race divides Dems

From today's Sun-Times...

In a sign of how fractured Democratic support has become in the race for Cook County state's attorney, two candidates vying to succeed Dick Devine trumpeted endorsements by high-profile officials Sunday.

At a news conference at the Union League Club, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn threw his support to Anita Alvarez, a career prosecutor who is the No. 3 official in Devine's office.

"She happens to be a woman. She happens to be Hispanic. And she also happens to be the most qualified person. We have a chance to make history," Quinn said.

Meanwhile, Ald. Howard Brookins (21st) picked up endorsements from West Side Aldermen Isaac Carothers (29th) and Emma Mitts (37th), and from other African-American officials. U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) reiterated his support.

"We're going to be with Howard 100 percent. We're going to have every precinct captain, every volunteer" working for him, Carothers said.

For primary voters who use endorsements for guidance, the state's attorney's race has likely become exasperating.

Six Democrats are seeking their party's nomination. Three are officeholders -- Brookins, Ald. Tom Allen (38th) and Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin (D-Evanston) -- and two, Alvarez and First Assistant State's Attorney Robert Milan, are career prosecutors. Defense lawyer Tommy Brewer is also running.

Since no candidate mustered sufficient support to be slated, the Cook County Democratic Party opted for an open primary. Seasoned observers are calling it a free-for-all.

Things are going to be quite exciting in this Democratic primary won't it?