Democrats endorse Anita Alvarez challenger Kim Foxx in Cook Co. state's attorney race

CHICAGO (WLS) -- With Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez under attack for her role in the Laquan McDonald case, the Cook County Democratic Party gave its support to challenger Kim Foxx in the March primary.

Late last summer, the Democrats decided not to support any candidate in the state's attorney's race. But with the county's criminal justice system in crisis, party leaders endorsed Kim Foxx.

"It is very humbling to have received your support," Foxx said Thursday.

In their do-over, the Democrats decided that Foxx would be their choice for state's attorney. The bosses rejected candidate Donna More's plea that they remain neutral.

"Open Primary. Let the voters decide," More said.

Foxx is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle's former chief of staff.

"I feel strongly that this is the best person for this job and I know when she gets in that job she's going to do her very best," Preckwinkle said.

"If someone's beholden to another politician then I think there are questions," Alvarez said.

Two-term incumbent Alvarez - who refused to attend what she has called the "rigged" endorsement session - insisted her independence from party bosses make her the best candidate.

"It has to be a job where I'm going to make decisions based on the facts, the evidence and the law," Alvarez said.

I asked Alvarez about two of her politically powerful backers: Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and longtime Chicago alderman Ed Burke.

"I do not owe them anything. I owe them nothing. Ask Ms. Foxx what she owes Toni Preckwinkle," Alvarez said.

More - who in private law practice represents the gaming industry - styles herself as the only politically independent candidate.

"Why are we afraid to elect independent people to the State's Attorney's Office? Because the power brokers don't want people looking under their skirts!" More said.

But Foxx says the party endorsement is but a small part of her campaign.

"I'm grateful and humbled to have the party's support but this is an election that's going to be won by the everyday voters," Foxx said.

The party nod is certainly no free ride for Foxx. Her campaign will have to pay the Cook County Democratic Party tens of thousands of dollars for its support.

But most Democratic candidates will tell you an endorsement is usually well worth it