Cook County State's Attorney Race: Conway, More, Fioretti, Foxx

COOK COUNTY — Three challengers and the incumbent seek to be the Democratic candidate in the 2020 Cook County State's Attorney's Race. Challengers are Bill Conway, Donna More and Bob Fioretti — all of Chicago — and the incumbent is Kim Foxx, of Chicago. Earlier this month, Patch readers voiced their opinions on who they support in the race in this poll.

Three of the candidates, the challengers, responded to a Chicago Patch questionnaire regarding issues related to the race.

Conway, 41, is a DePaul University professor who has never run for public office before but has volunteered on several Democratic candidate campaigns. He was also a United States Navy Intelligence officer for eight years and has worked as a pro bono criminal defense attorney.

He says the most pressing issue in the race is the "gun crime epidemic" in the county.

"The single most pressing issue facing our county is the gun crime epidemic," he said. "The citizens of Cook County deserve to live their lives without fear of violence in their commute to work or while playing outside, but we have an illegal gun problem that officials have failed to adequately address."

More, 62, has been an attorney for 35 years. Her career includes roles as an Assistant State's Attorney, Assistant US Attorney and first General Council, IL Gaming Board.

It's the "influence of politics and money" that's most troubling to her in Cook County.

"Our justice system is out of balance," she said. "We need to remove the influence of politics and money, which have produced two systems of justice in our County: one for the rich and famous a la Jussie Smollett; the other for the rest of us."

Fioretti, 67, has been a civil rights attorney for 35 years and served two terms both as the city of Chicago's 2nd Ward alderman and 2nd Ward committeeman.

He says keeping violent criminals behind bars while awaiting trial and "restoring trust and dignity to the office" are the most pressing issues.

"I have government, political and private sector experience and a proven record of independence and integrity during my time in office," he said.

Incumbent Kim Foxx did not respond to the Patch questionnaire.

Foxx has received nearly $1 million in support from the owners of the Sun-Times, the Chicago newspaper that endorsed her re-election bid.

Two candidates seek to be the Republican candidate in the Cook County State's Attorney's general election this year. The Republican race is between Patrick O'Brien and Christopher Pfannkuche. Two two answered questions in a WTTW candidate forum.