By Gary Barlow

Staff writer

As votes were counted late Feb. 5, Cook County assistant State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez appeared to be heading to a narrow victory in the race to succeed her boss, retiring State’s Attorney Richard Devine.

With almost 90 percent of the votes counted, Alvarez had captured 26.13 percent, trailed closely by Ald. Tom Allen (38th), at 24.89 percent, and Cook County Comm. Larry Suffredin, at 22.38 percent. Ald. Howard Brookins, at 17.47 percent, assistant State’s Attorney Robert Milan, at 5.74 percent, and businessman Tommy Brewer, at 3.38 percent, brought up the rear.

Alvarez was outspent by Allen and Suffredin, both of whom also picked up major political endorsements, but her message—that she would use her experience as a prosecutor to help victims of crime and would also bring more diversity to the office—resonated with a plurality of voters.

She made a victory speech shortly after 10 p.m., after Allen conceded the race.

“I won because I believe that my message got out there to the voters of the county that I was the most qualified person in this race, and I was the one that offered change and someone that they can trust and depend on,” Alvarez said.

In another closely watched Cook County race, with more than 80 percent of the votes counted late Feb. 5, Cook County Recorder of Deeds Eugene Moore was handily winning reelection, capturing more than 60 percent of the votes in his race against Ald. Ed Smith.

Smith, who represents the 28th Ward on Chicago’s West Side, had been regarded as a tough challenger for Moore. Smith is perhaps most well known for his leadership in passing an ordinance to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public businesses in Chicago.

But Smith was opposed by many GLBTs because of his past opposition on issues of importance to the GLBT community. Moore, on the other hand, has been a reliable supporter of GLBT rights and reached out for GLBT votes during the campaign.