Democratic leaders withdraw support for Clerk Dorothy Brown

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Cook County Democrats have withdrawn their endorsement of Dorothy Brown amid reports of a federal investigation after giving the incumbent a chance to make her case Friday.

"I have maintained integrity in my office every day," Brown said.

Brown's unsuccessful plea fell on mostly deaf ears. Her audience included democratic bosses, many of whom have been under investigation themselves.

The Central Committee reversed its August endorsement, deciding the four-term circuit clerk will not have their support.

"It would hurt the credibility of the Cook County Democratic Party," said Joe Berrios, Cook County Democratic chairman.

Brown, whose cellphone was seized by the FBI 17 days ago, questioned whether the party legally can withdraw its endorsement.

"I would just like for them to really look at the legal aspects of it," she said.

Then the Democrats set about choosing another candidate to slate.

"Dare to vote your conscience and not simply the way the bosses told you to," said Jacob Meister, candidate for circuit clerk.

Instead of attorney Meister, Brown's runner-up last summer, the bosses chose a fellow committee member - Eighth Ward Ald. Michelle Harris - who's not a lawyer.

"The clerk is the official record keeper and I don't see anywhere in the statute where it says I have to have a law degree to keep records," said Ald. Michelle Harris, candidate for circuit clerk.

Brown is the second democratic incumbent county-wide elected official not to receive her own party's endorsement. State's Attorney Anita Alvarez, like the clerk, is not a favorite of County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who denied she led the effort to de-slate Brown.

"Earlier this week the executive committee met and determined it was appropriate for the entire central committee to make the decision," Preckwinkle said.

"There was no pressure from anyone to withdraw the endorsement of any of the candidates who were on the ticket," Berrios said.

Of course, none of what happened Friday would prevent Brown from running for a fifth term.

Some democratic committee members who voted for Brown say they'll quietly support the clerk despite Friday's decision.