Independent group backs Suffredin for Cook Co. state's attorney

Keeping up a roll of endorsements, Cook County state's attorney candidate Larry Suffredin on Tuesday secured the backing of the Independent Voters of Illinois -- Independent Precinct Organization.

A competitor fired back that "Larry the Lobbyist" is long on political pull but short on prosecutorial prowess.

Suffredin -- a Cook County commissioner and a lobbyist for casino and public interest groups -- has enjoyed the support in recent days of Secretary of State Jesse White and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

Career prosecutor Bob Milan said he's disappointed he didn't get the endorsement but still believes he's the best candidate.

"I'm disappointed. I want everybody's support. What I want the voter to realize is that I have far more to offer them than any other candidate. … It's important for them to know that Larry the Lobbyist has never prosecuted a single case in his life," said Milan.

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

In the Cook County recorder of deeds race, challenger Ed Smith picked up the IVI-IPO's endorsement over incumbent Eugene "Gene" Moore.

"He's delighted," campaign spokesman Larry Shapiro said. "Of course, for Ed, it's a continuation of probably 30 years of being involved with independent politics."

Moore brushed off the endorsement, saying during his tenure, he has done much to automate his office.

In the race for the Cook County board of review -- which hears property tax appeals -- the IVI-IPO endorsed challenger Jay Paul Deratany over incumbent Joseph Berrios.