Brown was moving members of Boiks staff to patrol duty, and Boik told Brown the move would set back officer training mandated by the consent decree. Chicago Tribune; The Baltimore Sun; The Morning Call of Pa. Daily Press of Va. But the top job of state's attorney involves many other skills: judgment about law enforcement priorities and conduct; frank and comfortable communication with the public; administration of a big and vital office that, like all of county government, will have to get smaller as pension costs crush budgets.. A defensive stalwart, Oswego Easts Tyler Jasek surprises Joliet West. I was exhausted., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Democratic candidate for Cook County state's attorney Kim Foxx and Republican candidate Christopher Pfannkuche give their closing statements to the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on Sept. 13, 2016. His depth of experience does qualify him to charge and prosecute outlaws, to put the guilty behind bars. Foxx has strong communications skills. Following Mass, the Rev. We also credit her assertion that her offices job of prosecuting violent criminals has been made much more difficult by a period of intense turmoil in the Baltimore Police Department. WBEZ news coverage of the mayor's race and more from the 2023 municipal elections. The killing happened hours after Brown announced he was resigning from the department and one day after Mayor Lori Lightfoot failed to garner enough votes to make the runoff election for her job. He knows Baltimore judges and juries. Alvarez has missed chances to assure voters that she's learned something from this debacle. Another key task on the shoulders of the state attorney general involves ensuring the Chicago Police Departments compliance with the consent decree, the 2019 court order that lays out steps the city must take to reform the department in the wake of the 2014 murder of Black teenager Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer. Lausch, however, took over in a hyperpartisan era and had to navigate a number of thorny issues, many of which arose from Trumps constant trolling of Chicago on Twitter over issues such as gun violence and immigration. We'll again note that while taking criminals off the streets and standing up for crime victims aren't the entirety of this job, those are the reasons this job exists. ]. Courthouse, which is likely to be the biggest public corruption trial in Chicago since former Gov. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Amendment One We endorse a no vote. He can shoot it., Justin Steele and 6 Chicago Cubs relievers combine for the 1st spring training no-hitter in franchise history, Leah Palmer experiences grand time as Geneva grinds out victory in Class 4A third-place game. Chicago police officers were investigating after a man was shot in the leg on July 28, 2022, in the 2600 block of West 23rd Place in the Little Village neighborhood. Both incumbent judges, Aurelia Marie Pucinski and Mary Katherine Rochford, are recommended YES for retention. In this important race, he is clearly the best qualified candidate. Cuellar has been part of regular prayer meetings in the park hosted by some community members since the death of Ella French in 2021. The defendant, who had no prior record, was given an I-bond after being charged on July 29, 2022, with resisting arrest, a misdemeanor, after running from a vehicle that had been stopped by police, according to the statement issued by her office. The candidates also discuss whether police misconductis systemic or the result of a few bad apples. In a sit-down with reporters a few months into his tenure, Lausch was careful to steer clear of any political questions, saying he was not getting pressure from Washington to change any office policies but declining to comment specifically about Trumps tweets. . Christopher Pfannkuche will run unopposed on the Republican ticket. When were looking at the drivers of violence, weve seen a lot of it relate to turf and social media and retaliation upon retaliation. "This is a slate that represents the values . 72. Officers were responding to a domestic-related call of a man with a gun in the 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, authorities said. The White House announced in February 2021 that Lausch could remain in office until a successor was nominated and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, though no official search for a replacement ever materialized. Indictments stemming from the probe are expected soon, his office said. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul speaks at a campaign event on Aug. 25, 2022, at a Jackson County Democrats dinner in Murphysboro. Trying again on Tuesday, focused this time on crime, he was the top vote. Choosing a new Cook County state's attorney in normal times, you might vote for a candidate who's had a hand in thousands of criminal prosecutions. McDonald, a 17-year-old Chicagoan, was shot and killed by Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke in October of 2014. This is not an easy choice for Baltimore voters, but Mr. Bates gives Baltimore its best chance to break the cycle of violence. That is our belief today. 88th District . An early voting location at the Loop Super Site on June 23, 2022. Courthouse in Chicago after verdicts were reached in the trial of singer R. Kelly . The November election comes four months after the June 28 primary the quickest turnaround since at least the Great Depression. The board noted that Congressman Chuy Garcia's platform was too vague to issue an endorsement, while noting they were troubled by his associations with former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. Dig deeper into the stories and issues animating this year's election from the newsrooms at the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ. During the past three years, Baltimore has suffered its worst period of violence on record with more than 1,100 people killed. Read the full editorial here. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. White's backing is a boost for Vallas, as White enjoyed immense popularity during his nearly 25 years in the statewide office and as Illinois' highest-ranking Black politician. The . Yet she hasn't adequately explained why she didn't charge the officer who shot McDonald until 13 months after the killing even though she says she had decided some time earlier to accuse him of first-degree murder. Endorsements are made only in contested races. Unlike Mayor Rahm Emanuel, she hasn't come to understand that it's not in the public interest to endlessly withhold information about deadly force incidents. They are my family, and Im their family as well, Cuellar said. Read the full editorial here. She didn't whitewash this case; when her office learned details of McDonald's death, she recruited U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon to investigate. The board added that incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot is their second choice and the candidate they feel should face Vallas in a potential runoff election. James A. Haynes. It is tempting to view the race for Cook County state's attorney as a choice . (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) Kim Foxx is challenging Anita Alvarez in the March primary race for Cook County state's attorney. A state attorney general's primary duty is to serve as counsel to the state and its agencies and to act as the "people's lawyer" on behalf of its citizens. One of her Democratic opponents, former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, has picked up endorsements from at least four sitting members of Congress, including Rep. Jess "Chuy" Garcia, as well. Of all the Republicans on the Illinois ballot in the 2022 election cycle, Kathy Salvi, an attorney from Mundelein, surely has the hardest job. Ms. Mosbys other opponent, Thiru Vignarajah, is also a strong candidate who has well-articulated plans for the office, but we believe Mr. Bates experience and focus give him the edge. In that primary race we endorsed Democrat Kim Foxx, who had spent 12 years as an assistant state's attorney, mostly in juvenile court. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune), Chicago police officers place blue ribbons on trees outside District 8 Chicago Lawn Police Station on March 2, 2023, in honor of police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso who was fatally shot the night before. Browse this platform for a snapshot of each ward's candidates and demographics, and explainers for the key races including the U.S. Senate; Congressional districts 1 through 11, 14, and 16; Cook County Circuit Court Clerk; and Cook County State's Attorney. Read the full editorial here. He can shoot it., Justin Steele and 6 Chicago Cubs relievers combine for the 1st spring training no-hitter in franchise history, Leah Palmer experiences grand time as Geneva grinds out victory in Class 4A third-place game. For the list of sitting judges asking to be retained, nearly every one of them is recommended for retention by the three major judicial rating groups. The defendant, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was not charged with a felony because the evidence does not support a charge of gun possession for this offender. Mr. Tong's experience as an attorney and state legislator and chairman of the state House Judiciary Committee clearly. One of Lisa Madigans biggest shortcomings when she served as Illinois attorney general from 2003 to 2019 was her unwillingness to pursue public corruption cases, principally because of the conflict posed by her father, Michael Madigan, who wielded enormous clout as House speaker and chief of the Illinois Democratic Party. This week, Chicago Tribune reported its endorsements in the March 20 Illinois primary election. Kim Foxx, left, and Patrick O'Brien, right, are candidates for Cook county State's Attorney in the 2020 election. CHICAGO A Cook County prosecutor was reportedly placed on leave for the misleading description he gave in court about the fatal shooting of Adam Toledo before the video release. Our second concern has been whether Foxx wants to be a crime-buster or public defender (actually an appointed post). Former Illinois governor Pat Quinn also endorsedKim Foxx in the race for States Attorney on Sunday. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Nine sitting or. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Job One for the state's attorney again, the people's attorney is to stand up for those dead victims, their devastated families, and the rule of criminal law in Cook County. Following the main prayer, a group of about 20 people formed a circle, grasped a long, bright blue streamer and held a light. Lausch was sworn in as U.S. attorney on Nov. 22, 2017, two weeks after being confirmed by unanimous voice vote in the Senate. Read part two of the Tribunes endorsements for Illinois House here. Theyre more factionalized. When Democrat Kwame Raoul took over as state attorney general in January 2019, we hoped he would chart a different course and assume a larger role in going after corruption. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. Democratic Cook County state's attorney candidate Kim Foxxmeets with the Tribune Editorial Board on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016. Yet we endorse one of her challengers, Kim Foxx, in the Democratic primary for state's attorney.. Fundamentally, the reason we believe voters should not give her a second term is that she seems unable or unwilling to entertain the notion that she should do anything differently in the face of Baltimores record violence. Late Thursday, authorities charged Steven Montano, 18, of 2500 block of South Lawndale, with first-degree murder, weapons charges and interfering with a domestic violence report. In the highly-contested race for Cook County State's Attorney, the Chicago Tribune editorial board endorsed candidate Kim Foxx Friday. One of the treasurers core responsibilities is managing Illinois 529 college savings program, known as Bright Start. Democratic voters so disapproved of how the current state's attorney, Anita Alvarez, handled the Laquan McDonald case that they rejected her primary election bid for a third four-year term. It is crucial to Pritzkers case for a second term. -Duckworth has received endorsements from the Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald. This is yet another example of why we need to make sure that we are dealing with the immediate challenge of violence in the city of Chicago, which my plan speaks to that, while also getting at the root causes. CHICAGO Cook County state's attorney Kim Foxx issued a statement Thursday addressing the criminal history of the 18-year-old suspected of killing Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso on Wednesday. All rights reserved, Michigan Businessman Perry Johnson Launches Long-Shot 2024 Presidential Bid, Black Vietnam Veteran Finally Honored With Medal of Honor, New Ranking Names Most Expensive Cities In Illinois and These Chicago Suburbs Top the List, Chicago Suburb Lands on List of Happiest Places to Live,' Another Midwest City Makes Top 10, Chicago-Area Counties Under Winter Storm Advisories and Warnings, Actor Tom Sizemore, of Saving Private Ryan,' Dies at 61. He knows the system. We support the rights of unions to represent their members and to bargain collectively for the best deal they can secure. It was my honor each and every day to help carry out the offices mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect our civil rights.. Today, the Cook County Democratic Party presented its recommendations for statewide, countywide and judicial races in the 2022 primary. Kim, who ran unsuccessfully for attorney general in 2010 and then as gubernatorial candidate Dan Rutherford's lieutenant governor running mate in their losing primary race in 2014 . According to a high-ranking Tribune executive . CHICAGO Four years ago, Paul Vallas finished toward the bottom of the pack in a crowded race for Chicago mayor. Lausch, 52, who hails from Joliet and currently lives in Chicagos Beverly neighborhood, captained the 1987 state champion Joliet Catholic football team and was a linebacker and team captain at Harvard University. Nine sitting or recent members of the Illinois General Assembly have been charged with federal crimes since 2019. Over the last two years, drivers heading north on Elston Avenue in Chicago, to cite one example, could see a snaking line of freezing Chicagoans, just trying to make it inside to get their plates renewed. We will never forget his selflessness and dedication as we continue to wrap our arms around his family and loved ones. Read part two of the Tribunes endorsements for Illinois Senate here. It's a tall mountain to climb. These are Democratic primary elections, except for a Republican race in the 13th subcircuit. He can shoot it., Justin Steele and 6 Chicago Cubs relievers combine for the 1st spring training no-hitter in franchise history, Leah Palmer experiences grand time as Geneva grinds out victory in Class 4A third-place game. [Dont miss] Illinois primary 2022: What to know before Tuesdays Election Day, [Dont miss] See how all the candidates answered our questions plus who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed. The Tribune advocates for personal liberty, opportunity and enterprise, for free markets, free will and freedom of expression. Endorsement: For state Senate, support incumbents Polsky and Berman. We can do both.. But as violent crime rates rise, citizens, too, will have to do more especially to help police and prosecutors find perpetrators and put them away. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. As we've written, beyond a polite hello in the elevator, prosecutors should be fiercely independent of politicians, especially those who sign off on their budget. In the endorsement, the Tribune board called Vallas "a smart, passionate and experienced candidate for mayor who long has specialized in doing precisely that.". Too often his response to critics is to simply sue them. For now, reports Crain's Greg Hinz Endorsement: . State Sen. Emil Jones III is the latest. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune). Mr. Bates has worked in Baltimore courtrooms for decades, first as a prosecutor and then as a defense attorney. But Alvarez has the benefit of that hindsight, too, and she isn't using this campaign to demand the fixes. The editorial board makes these recommendations based on the evaluations of major bar associations, including the Chicago Council of Lawyers, interviews with judges and attorneys who know the work of the candidates, and information provided by the candidates to the board. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). Foxx is a strong communicator. Today we acknowledge Alvarez's 29-year career in this office. Since then, he has managed this office skillfully, making sound investments for the states portfolio that have earned taxpayers more than $1 billion. Vasquez-Lasso, 32, lived in the Marquette Park neighborhood, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. As the candidates for Cook County state's attorney debated the handling of the Laquan McDonald case before the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on Feb. 4, 2016, incumbent Anita Alvarez defended her investigation, saying, "I don't believe any mistakes were made." Sources told . Preceding him are four former Senate Democratic colleagues, Thomas Cullerton, Terry Link, Annazette Collins and Martin Sandoval (who died in 2020); a former GOP state senator, Sam McCann; former House Speaker and Democratic kingmaker Michael Madigan; and onetime Democratic state Reps. Luis Arroyo and Eddie Acevedo. Montano, who was injured in an exchange of gunfire with Vasquez-Lasso, was expected to appear in bond court Friday, according to Chicago police. She sounds to us as if, presented with the same facts, she might make the same judgments again. We trust that she could connect with people in those violence-ravaged communities. He said he came because he has quite a few police officer friends and wanted to share in their grief. Why Mr. Tong? An active and mostly-GOP push is underway to unseat him by asking voters to say No to his retention. The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police threw its support Thursday behind Patrick O'Brien, the Republican candidate running to unseat embattled Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx. His departure, which was first revealed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland during an unrelated news conference in Washington in January, will officially kick off a search for a replacement that will be led by Illinois two Democratic senators, Dick Dubin and Tammy Duckworth. -Salvi has received endorsements from. A Foxx spokesperson released a statement that said Montano did not have a criminal record, nor did prosecutors have evidence to support a gun charge. A slate of incumbents will retain their seats on the Township High School District 214 board following the April 6 election. Foxx, Alvarez and former state and federal prosecutor Donna More face off in the March 15 Democratic primary. Police eventually curbed the car, and the suspect and two others ran away, the report alleged. I was exhausted., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. At this time in this county, Foxx is best suited to be that voice. Oscar Cuellar, an elder at Hope Church Midway, was one of the speakers. A defensive stalwart, Oswego Easts Tyler Jasek surprises Joliet West. DeVore dropped the lawsuit in 2020. Foxx understands that disconnect; wanting to heal it is her most compelling rationale for seeking the office. Willie Wilson was criticized by the board for some of his controversial statements on the campaign trail, though he was praised for his philanthropy and personal success. Durbin vs. Curran, Black, Malouf and Wilson: 10 questions for the candidates for U.S. Senate. But not his teammates. State Sen. Emil Jones III is the latest. The incumbent, Marilyn Mosby, has made a strong defense of her record, and we believe that it has merit in some important respects. From policing to prosecution to trial to incarceration to parole, citizens are demanding better of their criminal justice system. Chicago police officers place blue ribbons on trees outside District 8 Chicago Lawn Police Station on March 2, 2023, in honor of police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso who was fatally shot the night before. Courthouse in Chicago after verdicts were reached in the trial of singer R. Kelly. I was exhausted., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Beyond a polite hello in the elevator, prosecutors should be fiercely independent of politicians, especially those who sign off on their budget. Pfannkuche would need a No. In addition to the public corruption probes, Lausch has earned a reputation for going after Chicagos street gangs, which hed done previously as an assistant U.S. attorney under Fitzgerald. chicago tribune state's attorney endorsementgetting married in tanzania. Sept. 13, 2016. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead the U.S. attorneys office in Chicago, Lausch said in a written statement. We think Foxx, by contrast, in time would rebuild the public's trust. Kim Foxx is challenging Anita Alvarez in the March primary race for Cook County state's attorney. Following Mass, the Rev. The 2023 Chicago municipal elections will be held on Feb. 28. Before Fardon, Patrick Fitzgerald, who also earned a reputation as a nonpartisan corruption fighter, served for nearly 12 years as U.S. attorney in Chicago under Democratic and Republican presidents. During a debate at the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Democratic candidate for Cook County state's attorney Kim Foxx and Republican candidate Christopher Pfannkuche address how the. Rod Blagojevich was convicted by a jury 12 years ago. Eight years ago we wrote that while the state's attorney's office had done a good job in many respects, it needed a fresh start. [Dont miss] See how candidates for governor answered our questions plus who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed, [Dont miss] Editorial: 175 years of editorials and counting, A defensive stalwart, Oswego Easts Tyler Jasek surprises Joliet West. Most recently, the leader of the West Sides notoriously violent Wicked Town gang faction was convicted along with an associate on racketeering charges involving a string of murders, shootings, robberies, beatings and other violence going back two decades. [[Dont miss] Illinois primary 2022: What to know before Tuesdays Election Day], [[Dont miss] See how all the candidates answered our questions plus who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed], [[Dont miss] Whats an endorsement, and why does the Tribune Editorial Board do them?