South Central Reporter

Tom DeVore, Republican candidate for Attorney General, won the endorsement of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in August. 

“To me, there is no greater commitment than that of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our country and our communities," DeVore said in a statement. "We owe it to them to ensure that they are not used as pawns and bargaining chips in political machinations. As Attorney General, I am committed to ensuring that our law enforcement officers and all first responders have an ally in getting crime off our streets and in keeping it off our streets. I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. I will always have the back of those who protect and defend.”  

DeVore was lauded by Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood and Chicago FOP President John Catanzara. 

"Tom DeVore doesn't just talk the talk, he has demonstrated through his actions that he will always fight injustice," Southwood said. "Tom owes nothing to the political powers that have attacked the police profession, and as the state's chief law enforcement officer he will have our backs as we fight together to overturn criminal-coddling laws and return safety and sanity to our streets.”  

Catanzara said he is encouraged by DeVore’s anti-corruption stance. 

“When Tom came here for the endorsement session with all the other candidates, I can tell you -  of all the offices we interviewed for - Tom’s interview stood out above and beyond anybody’s," Catanzara said. "Everybody was blown away. It was hands down. If we had a vote, Tom would have gotten the most votes of any office, of any candidate. He presented that well. Why was that? Because he’s independent. He might be running as a Republican, but he’s very clearly said he will challenge corruption for what’s right regardless of party. That’s all you could really ask of a chief law enforcement officer in any state.” 

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police has also backed state Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) for his efforts to overturn the SAFE-T Act. Bailey claimed that his administration would “stop trying to make police the enemy,” KHQA reported.

Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul has been criticized for referring an investigation into payments made to campaign worker Jenny Thornley to an outside prosecutor.

Thornley accused her supervisor of sexual misconduct after being charged with misappropriating funds. The sexual misconduct allegations were determined to be unfounded.

Records found by The Center Square show Thornley texted M.K. Pritzker, the first lady of Illinois, requesting that she forward a message to the governor. 

According to the Center Square, Thornley texted, "I need JB to know what's going on and hope they are keeping him aware." 

Raoul’s office has also faced criticism for its inaction on the case of former House Speaker Michael Madigan who has been charged with 22 counts of public corruption connected to a $250 million bribery scandal revolving around energy provider ComEd. Madigan gave Raoul $1 million in the 2018 campaign season, Chicago Tribune reported.