Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Endorses Republican Bob Fioretti for Cook County State’s Attorney
Jackson Hails Fioretti as “Voice for the Voiceless”
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a prominent civil rights leader, has endorsed Republican Bob Fioretti in the Cook County state’s attorney race to succeed outgoing State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Fioretti, a former Chicago alderperson, faces Democratic nominee Eileen O’Neill Burke in the November election.
Jackson Cites Fioretti’s Commitment to Social Justice
In a statement announcing his endorsement, Jackson praised Fioretti as a champion of social justice and a defender of those who need it most. “We need Bob Fioretti as Cook County State’s Attorney,” Jackson said. “This is not about party labels. This is about electing our community’s best State’s Attorney, who will temper justice with mercy.”
Jackson Recalls His Work with Charles Percy
Jackson drew a parallel between Fioretti and the late Senator Charles Percy, a moderate Republican who represented Illinois from 1967 to 1985. “We used to feed the Confederates and the poor,” Jackson said. “We used to have to go from Chicago to Mississippi stopping to use the bathroom very carefully. We won the battle against southern New Orleans, LA; Bull Connor from Birmingham, AL; and former Senator Strom Thurmond.”
Jackson Calls Burke’s Record into Question
Jackson contrasted Fioretti’s commitment to social justice with Burke’s record on civil rights. He referenced a 30-year-old case Burke worked on as an assistant state’s attorney, in which a Black youth was wrongly convicted of murdering a white woman. The boy’s conviction was later thrown out by a federal judge, who found that the arrest was illegal and that the youth was coerced into making a confession.
Fioretti’s Endorsement Praises His Commitment to Justice
Fioretti thanked Jackson for the endorsement, stating, “I am very proud to have earned the trust and endorsement of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.”
Conclusion
Jesse Jackson’s endorsement of Bob Fioretti for Cook County State’s Attorney marks a significant turning point in the race. As a civil rights leader, Jackson’s opinion carries significant weight, and his endorsement is likely to sway voters. With his commitment to social justice and his track record of championing the causes of marginalized communities, Fioretti is poised to make a strong showing in the election.
FAQs
Q: What is Bob Fioretti’s experience in politics?
A: Fioretti is a former Chicago alderperson who has also run for mayor and city attorney.
Q: What is Eileen O’Neill Burke’s background?
A: Burke is a former criminal defense lawyer, judge, and appellate court justice.
Q: Why did Jesse Jackson endorse Bob Fioretti?
A: Jackson praised Fioretti as a “voice for the voiceless” and cited his commitment to social justice and his track record of championing the causes of marginalized communities.
Q: What is the significance of Jesse Jackson’s endorsement?
A: As a prominent civil rights leader, Jackson’s opinion carries significant weight, and his endorsement is likely to sway voters in the Cook County state’s attorney election.
