Sanders endorses progressive lightning rod Chicago DA

[JoeOtterbein]

Politico

Progressives have applauded Foxx, for declining to prosecute numerous low-level drug offenses and embracing alternative treatment programs.

By HOLLY OTTERBEIN

02/13/2020 11:33 AM EST

Updated: 02/13/2020 12:06 PM EST

Bernie Sanders is throwing his weight behind Kim Foxx, the Cook County state’s attorney who is facing several primary challengers after a first term that has been simultaneously celebrated by progressives and come under fire nationally for her handling of actor Jussie Smollett’s case.

Sanders’ campaign told POLITICO he is also endorsing Kane County, Ill. state’s attorney candidate Junaid Afeef, Travis County, Texas, district attorney candidate Jose Garza, and Harris County, Texas, district attorney candidate Audia Jones.

The endorsements are in keeping with the Vermont senator’s attempts to position himself as the most progressive presidential candidate on criminal justice policy, with a platform that includes banning cash bail, legalizing marijuana, and permitting “safe injection sites” where people can use illegal drugs under the supervision of medical professionals. In October, he endorsed now-San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who campaigned on getting rid of cash bail.

“I’m proud to endorse these progressive leaders for the important offices of state and district attorney,” Sanders said in a statement. “Now is the moment to fundamentally transform our racist and broken criminal justice system by ending mass incarceration, the failed war on drugs and the criminalization of poverty, and that’s exactly what they’ll do.”

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more great reporting at link

[Uncle Joe]

1. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread JoeOtterbein.

[oldsoftie]

2. Kim Foxx is a mess after that Smollett disaster. I expect her to be beaten at the polls

[George II]

3. She's going to have a tough time getting winning her primary.