Devine endorses his top assistant to replace him as Cook Co. state's atty.

Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine endorsed his first assistant in the race to replace him.

Bob Milan received the endorsement from Devine Sunday.

"This endorsement from Dick Devine solidifies my support from the people who matter the most, the attorneys and staff I've worked with," he said.

Milan is in a six-way race for the Democratic nomination for Cook County State's Attorney. Also running are Cook County commissioner and lobbyist Larry Suffredin, career prosecutor Anita Alvarez, Chicago Ald. Tom Allen, Chicago Ald. Howard Brookins and lawyer Tommy Brewer. Republican Tony Peraica is unchallenged for his party's nomination.

Devine's endorsement came as a surprise to Alvarez. She said Devine "gave me his word that he would remain neutral in this race, and usually he keeps his word. But politics has been known to cause people to break their promise."

Milan said he has counted on the support of the office during the campaign, adding his time in the office has given him a familiarity with its day-to-day operations.

"As the best qualified candidate -- not politician -- in the field, I stand ready to lead the criminal justice system so vital to the safety of our streets, homes and future," Milan said. "This is not an office to me but rather my life, my vocation."

In a statement released Sunday, Alvarez criticized Milan's positive assessment of the state's attorney's office, saying it can do a better job of tackling problems like domestic violence and tracking internet predators.