Dems Back Alderman over Incumbent in Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s Race

Norman Parish | As of Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Just two weeks ago, activist Tio Hardiman announced that he changed plans to seek a seat in Congress, and instead is running for Cook County Circuit Court Clerk – surprising some political insiders.

Last week, another development occurred in the clerk’s race.

The county’s Democratic Party unanimously endorsed Chicago Ald. Michelle Harris (8th Ward) for county clerk in next March’s primary after pulling its support from incumbent Dorothy Brown. Democrats had backed Brown a couple of months ago.

The endorsement comes after news reports that FBI agents visited Brown’s home and seized her government-issued cell phone.

A subpoena served on Brown and her husband Benton Cook III earlier this year asked for documents tied to her husband’s meat business and Sankofa Group LLC, according to news reports.

Brown told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper last Friday that she would continue to seek her seat without the party’s endorsement.

“Life goes on and I’m going to continue to run,” Brown said. “I want to continue to do a great job that I have been doing.”

On the federal investigation, Brown said, “I don’t know anything about it.”

During last week’s Democratic Party meeting on the clerk’s job, the party heard from not only Brown but also pitches from three other candidates – Harris, Hardiman and attorney Jacob Meister.

The Cook County Democratic Party is made up of 50 Chicago Ward and 30 Suburban Township Committeemen.

 “Our goal is to present the best and strongest slate of candidates to the voters of Cook County and that’s what we’ve done today,” said Joseph Berrios, chairman of the county party.

Harris, who is also the 8th Ward Committeeman, said: “I am honored that the Democratic Party had enough faith to believe in me. I will campaign to strengthen the people’s trust in government and run as a team with those on the Democratic slate.”

Lionel Kimble Jr., associate professor of history at Chicago State University, said the party’s actions suggest that it isn’t “going to tolerate anything, even investigations.”

“The Democratic Party has taken a beating in the past,” Kimble said. “They have a lot to lose. . . At least the party is giving the appearance of trying to do something.”

Kimble added that the party’s endorsement should significantly help Harris in her campaign.

“Party loyalties are strong,” Kimble said. “If she keeps her nose clean, she will come up well.”

An alderman since 2006, Harris represents parts of Chicago’s Chatham, Pullman, Pill Hill and Calumet Heights neighborhoods.

Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed Harris as alderman to replace Todd Stroger who then became Cook County Board President.

Since Harris has joined the aldermanic board, she has risen to chairman of the powerful City Council Rules Committee.

Harris, who is considered a strong supporter of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is credited with convincing Emanuel to reduce his proposed $9.50-per household garbage collection fee by giving senior citizens a 50 percent break.

Before becoming alderman, Harris served as the 8th Ward’s sanitation superintendent and secretary to the Cook County Board of Commissioners under the late John Stroger.

Brown has served as clerk of the circuit courts since 2000.

Brown, who has an MBA from DePaul University and a law degree from Chicago Kent-College of Law, previously worked for Arthur Andersen and Commonwealth Edison as a certified public accountant.

She also was employed as general auditor for the Chicago Housing Authority.

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