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More kicks off state’s attorney campaign

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Political newcomer Donna More on Wednesday kicked off her campaign to become Cook County’s top prosecutor by attacking State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, with the challenger saying she would have brought charges against a Chicago police officer far sooner in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald.

More did not limit her criticism to Alvarez’s handling of what now is the murder case against Officer Jason Van Dyke. She also said Alvarez has done too little to battle public corruption in a county that runs on a “finely tuned system of winks and nods, contracts and kickbacks, jobs here for political favors there.”

“Anita Alvarez has run an appallingly lackluster office for years with delayed prosecutions, wrongful convictions and policies that favor influencers and the well-connected while justice takes a back seat to politics — and victims and their families pay the price,” More said before dozens of supporters in a rented ballroom at the Hotel Intercontinental on North Michigan Avenue.

* The LaQuan McDonald case took center stage. From her press release…

“Our community has been rocked to its social and moral core by chants of ‘400 days’ and ‘16 shots,’” she continued. “If we had a State’s Attorney with the courage to act promptly on the video evidence of Laquan McDonald’s death, we’d be at trial today, not in the streets. We could have avoided a $5.0 million cover-up decision, and we wouldn’t need any federal investigations.

* ABC 7…

“I think that case should have been indicted in November of 2014,” More said.

* Alvarez’s response via the Sun-Times…

“Candidates will say just about anything with no accountability. Donna More has never prosecuted a police officer in her life,” said Alvarez campaign spokesman Ken Snyder. “She has no idea what’s involved. Look no further than Baltimore to see what happens when an inexperienced prosecutor rushes to charge under pressure — it results in hung juries or worse. It’s scary that casino lawyer More would wrap up murder charges against police officers in a few days. There is no justice in calling someone a murderer and then watching them walk out of a court instead of into a jail.”

* CBS 2…

“She does not have the capacity to even look at a police shooting case,” Alvarez said. “She has no idea. It’s really disheartening and kind of scary to think that she’d be able to wrap up an investigation and a couple of weeks.”

* And ABC 7…

“Neither one of my opponents have the experience or the integrity that I have to run this office and I will continue to do that,” Alvarez said.

* More’s work history was also brought up…

“Miss More is currently a gaming lobbyist and has been in the gaming industry for the last 25 years,” Foxx said.

“She’s been representing casinos all these years and that’s how she’s raised her money,” Alvarez said.

More says, “When I went into private practice I represented clients to keep them on the straight and narrow in regard to complying with rules and regulations and I’m proud of the jobs I’ve done doing that.”

…Adding… MrJM begs to differ in comments. He has a point.

* Rod Blagojevich’s former attorney Sam Adam, Jr. also spoke up for More…

“I knew there was no need for me to run, there was no need to back a Kim Foxx, we have who and what we need in Donna More,” Adam said.

* Back to ABC 7…

“We don’t need to look at this thing as black and white. That’s the problem that we have. We’ve got to understand that we’re in this together,” Adam said.

* The Rauner issue also made some of the news reports. Sun-Times…

A campaign contributor to Gov. Bruce Rauner, More boasts a healthy campaign war chest largely fueled by her mother and her husband, veteran public relations executive Hud Englehart. More recently lifted the cap on donations to candidates in the primary race by making a $250,000 contribution to her own campaign.

* Chicago Defender…

More and her husband have come under scrutiny for donating $2,500 to the Bruce Rauner for governor campaign. She stands firm on her belief at the time that change was needed, but admits that she was wary with that decision. She also has made it very clear that the couple also made contributions to President Barack Obama and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s campaigns. “As Democrats we always have to make sure we have good choices,” More said.

“I wanted to see things I wanted to hope that maybe with some different faces, we would get more cooperation. That didn’t happen. I’m certainly not defined by one thing. No more than we’re defined as women, or African-American women or White women. I view this as a label.”

We’d get more cooperation?

Really?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:14 am

Comments

Alvarez has a poor track record and Foxx is essentially a Preckwinkle prop. An additional option in this race is better than nothing.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:19 am
More is a Raunerite via opportunist.

Voting for More, in the Democratic primary is akin to voting for Ken Dunkin, a Raunerite in the Democratic primary.

Labor members, Democrats, Social Service workers and advocates, vote accordingly, it’s an opportunity for y’all to send a clear message; No Raunerites.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:19 am
Bob Milan behind Donna More is all you need to know. bitter, bitter loser to Alvarez. finished last, if I recall, when he was the sitting First Assistant State’s Attorney, i.e.. Anita’s boss at the time. Is he still working with Rep. Durkin?

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:25 am
Let’s see where the bulk of her campaign funding is coming from before labeling her a “Raunerite.”

On paper, she seems independent. A lot of Democrats at least considered backing Rauner last year. He ran as a pro-business moderate. If you thought IL was on the wrong track, he was seen at providing a needed balance. I was in that camp for a while too, as were many of my friends.

Would we back Rauner now, after seeing the job he’s done? No way. However, I have a long list of people who did not do the job they promised to do, including our current State’s Attorney.

If Rauner’s crew starts writing big checks, we can give her that label. For now, she looks like an independent.

Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:29 am
OW ++++++

Comment by x ace Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:31 am
More says, “When I went into private practice I represented clients to keep them on the straight and narrow in regard to complying with rules and regulations”

Not so according to the Superior Court of New Jersey: “[The] record strongly supports a finding that Tropicana’s conduct was purposeful and characterized by a philosophy or desire to do things its way rather than in the manner required…”

http://www.nj.gov/casinos/news/archive/pdf/2008/tropicana_appellate_division_decision.pdf

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:34 am
From a Las Vegas Sun story on More’s ability to keep clients on the “straight and narrow in regard to complying with rules and regulations”:

Some gaming observers expressed surprise that the 44-page ruling went beyond a simple affirmation or reiteration of facts.

Rather, judges further explained why the Tropicana deserved to lose its license in New Jersey and came down especially hard on the company’s former general counsel, Donna More, a prominent gaming lawyer and a former casino regulator in Illinois, saying she failed in her role as a regulatory standard-bearer.

“With her background, a succession of inadvertent regulatory missteps should not have been the norm,” the decision read.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jul/10/nj-appeals-court-upholds-tropicana-license-revocat/

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:34 am
Not to be a defense at all to the handling of the McDonald case, but seriously? He was murdered in October and you would have indicted the officer in November? I would like a states atty that understands the speedy trial act and the type of evidence required to meet a burden of beyond a reasonable doubt. It takes a while to build a winning case. Not to mention, an endorsement of a prosecutor by a criminal defense atty? lol

Comment by burbanite Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:42 am
Hey, this is Cook County. If you want an honest politician who has the public interest heart, boy are you looking in the wrong place.

Comment by Harry Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:43 am
- Gooner -,

With respect,

As an opportunist, and donating and making it quite clear her own “why”, and even here when Rich had the first Post concerning More and Rauner and More’s opportunist ways…

… given less than 70 days left… “Why take a chance?”

If I’m More?

I’ve busted the caps already, I’d spend like money is zero object on media, similar to Rauner in “I’m not Alvarez”, and just swamp both with a continual air assault… and parlay the Raunerite mindset and court Raunerites to gain the foothold.

Once you let a stranger in your house… It’s up to Democrats to keep the Raunerite out of the Democratic Party. Again, vote accordingly.

With respect.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:43 am
Seen both. Impressed more with Foxx’s experience for this job.

No idea who wins this one.

Comment by walker Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:44 am
I’m guessing it’s Foxx’s to lose. Timing in politics can be everything.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:52 am
Oswego,

If voters are looking for a rabidly partisan Democrat, then More is the wrong choice. Go with Foxx or Alvarez. Both have proven their loyalty to the party.

Is that what Democratic Primary voters want? Is loyalty a good thing, or not? We will see. Is is a primary though, so the voters may well reject More due to her lack of partisanship.

Personally, I’ve ruled out Anita. I’m not sure on Foxx. I’ve got friends backing both Foxx and More. Right now, I’m not writing a check to either of them.

Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:54 am
Giving $2500 to Rauner is like shipping a packet of BBQ sauce to the other Mike Madigan.

Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 11:59 am
- Gooner -

It’s not voting for the best Democrat, it IS denying a Raunerite a foothold in the Democratic Party.

Do Democrats want a “confused” member of the party? Shouldn’t donating to Rauner have consequences?

It’s up to Democrats in Cook County to send the message.

“Why take a chance?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:00 pm
- LizPhairTax -

Yep. “So why donate to Rauner, then run, in the Democratic primary for SA?”

It’s not how it would help Rauner, but how it could/would help More in her own race.

That’s what’s at play… maybe… lol.

Vote accordingly.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:04 pm
More should ask Larry Sufferdin how being a ‘reformer’ working for casino companies plays in the State’s Attorney race.

Comment by Century Club Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:08 pm
OW,

Occam’s razor points me to the conclusion that she has more money than brains. I thinks she’s slated for bronze no matter what.

Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:11 pm
It’s VERY rare for someone to spend as little time as More did in the US Attorney’s office. She left the U.S. Attorney’s Office after one year. There’s normally a four year commitment.

In the Carol Felsenthal article last month in Chicago Magazine, More boasted that there was one project at the State’s Attorney’s Office where she got to meet with State’s Attorney Daley. That’s not high level experience — and not the best role model of a State’s Attorney.

Add in the New Jersey opinion, and it’s clear that this is not a first string, professional candidate.

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:18 pm
- LizPhairTax -,

Understood.

The monies More has and should spend is going to be fun to watch.

This is going to be one crazy race

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:26 pm
Casino lawyers’ job is not to ‘keep the casinos on the straight and narrow” as More claims. It’s to empower the casinos’ greed and look for loopholes to avoid regulation and cost.
She Is vulnerable because of this seedy work.

Comment by Let'sMovetoNorthDakota Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:31 pm
Alvarez will win between the white and hispanic vote.

Comment by Tone Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:39 pm
So, if I’m keeping score correctly, Ms. More is running for State’s Attorney. And in her announcement, she trots out Sam Adam, Jr., who is a famous criminal defense attorney.

I hope burbanite and I aren’t the only ones to see the enormous disconnect here.

I’m sure saying “I helped elect the prosecutor who is trying the case against you” is a good pitch for Mr. Adam, but I don’t think that goes both ways.

Comment by Bill F. Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 12:53 pm
Based on the Tropicana link, it seems More would do a great job in carrying on the CCSAO office tradition of shielding illegal activity by police from prosecution.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 1:24 pm
It’s interesting that Rauner thinks Cook County whites are so racist that they will vote for someone with 5 years of experience in the 1980s.

He might be right, but it’s interesting.

Maybe his binder full of women is just really thin.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 1:33 pm
==It’s interesting that Rauner thinks Cook County whites are so racist that they will vote for someone with 5 years of experience in the 1980s.==

Over exponentially more experienced women of color, I mean.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 1:35 pm
This kind of tells you what you need to know:

Bradley, Wallace 411 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60657 $200.00
8/14/2015 Expenditure
Friends of Donna More Consulting Committee

Bradley, Wallace 411 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60657 $625.00
8/14/2015 Expenditure
Friends of Donna More Consulting Committee

Bradley, Wallace 411 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60657 $1,750.00
9/2/2015 Expenditure
Friends of Donna More Consulting Committee

Bradley, Wallace 411 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60657 $3,000.00
9/3/2015 Expenditure
Friends of Donna More Consulting Committee

Bradley, Wallace 411 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60657 $3,000.00
9/15/2015 Expenditure
Friends of Donna More Consulting Committee

Bradley, Wallace 411 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60657 $1,000.00
9/22/2015 Expenditure
Friends of Donna More Consulting Committee

Comment by paddyrollingstone Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 1:40 pm
With respect, Tone, we’re not all racists here.

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 2:46 pm
I know that. Who said we are all racist?

Comment by Tone Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 3:18 pm
We voted for Obama, Prekwinkle, etc. It’s just the idiot protestors are creating a backlash that will only help Alvarez.

I can’t wait to vote against Toni next round. She is now worse than Todd Stroger.

Comment by Tone Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 3:21 pm
LizPhairTax: “pass the BBQ sauce.” LOL

You smell the meat cookin?

Comment by walker Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 3:29 pm
Who told Donna More it was a good idea to give a chunk of money to Gator Bradley? Oh, my. If you need to hire an “urban translator,” you’ve already lost.

Comment by Orzo Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 3:45 pm
re Donna More leaving the USAttorney’s Office after a short time, Bob Milan did the same thing.

gambling money vs. Taxin’ Toni should be interesting on the negative side of campaigns.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 3:54 pm
==Who told Donna More it was a good idea to give a chunk of money to Gator Bradley?==

Fritchey

Comment by crazybleedingheart Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 4:10 pm
That’s not knowledge. Just a safe bet.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 4:11 pm
As a Cook County Democrat, I’m much less concerned than Oswego Willy seems to be that ‘party loyalty’ is a major concern in what is, essentially, a one party race for the position of State’s Attorney. Better criteria for selecting a candidate might be legal ability, legal competence, legal judgment, and a reputation for integrity. Disqualifying someone because of a campaign donation, or even more idiotically, labeling them a Trotskyite (oh, I’m sorry, a Raunerite…but, I confused OW with earlier polemicists) as a scare tactic, is rather odd in the face of the scandals, and fundamental questions of judgement surrounding the current State’s Attorney. At first glance, if the choices remain as they are, I’d lean toward an independent minded great lawyer like More than feckless incumbent or extending a powerful politician’s control of county government.

Comment by Maguffin Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 4:44 pm
The time for Donna More to criticize Alvarez for her tardiness was over six weeks ago.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 4:52 pm
===I’m much less concerned than Oswego Willy seems to be that ‘party loyalty’ is a major concern in what is, essentially, a one party race for the position===

lol, that should be even more concerning if you’re a Democrat.

===Disqualifying someone because of a campaign donation, or even more idiotically, labeling them… as a scare tactic, is rather odd in the face of the scandals, and fundamental questions of judgement surrounding the current State’s Attorney.===

So… she did donate to Rauner? Got it. Thanks, lol

If you’re a Democrat, and you are trying to stop Rauner from infiltrating your party. Vote less… for More.

Don’t let a stranger in your house.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 5:21 pm
Small market: Oswego, versus big market: Cook County, sensibilities.

Comment by Maguffin Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 5:53 pm
More is … less of a Democrat and more of an opportunist Raunerite.

Her checkbook says its so, lol.

===I’m much less concerned than Oswego Willy seems to be that ‘party loyalty’ is a major concern in what is, essentially, a one party race for the position…===

Arguably the most hilarious excuse of being “independent” in a partisan party primary.

- Maguffin -, the point is to attract Democrats in the Democratic primary.

Do you know how primary campaigns work?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 7, 16 @ 5:59 pm
Kudos to Donna More for at least publicly speaking out against police criminality and for police accountability. Most state’s attorneys are pro-cop. In rural counties outside Cook, some are ex-cops or ex-sheriff’s deputies who went to law school.

Although the state’s attorneys are elected independently of the sheriff, many are inclined not to prosecute police because the police bureaucracy will then retaliate by conducting poor investigations, thus denying the state’s attorney a good conviction rate. An “outsider” not from a “police family” can be a healthy thing for Cook or any county in IL.

Comment by Payback Friday, Jan 8, 16 @ 11:41 am
Giving money to the richest, and biggest anti-union person in the state doesn’t make for a good Democratic nominee.

Comment by jerry in chicago Friday, Jan 8, 16 @ 11:53 am