LGBT leaders, allies rally for Kim Foxx as Jussie Smollett case looms over campaign

Chicago, IL - Several LGBT community members and allies will rally together to support Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx for re-election as the Jussie Smollett case continues to loom over her campaign.

Equality Illinois, the state's largest LGBT civil rights organization, will be leading the event at Ann Sather's Lakeview, 909 W. Belmont Ave. on Saturday, March 7 at 3 p.m.

In February, Equality Illinois announced its endorsement of Foxx citing her focus on making the criminal justice system "fairer and safer for LGBT people" and her response to the epidemic of violence against transgender people.

Majority Leader Greg Harris, Rep. Lamont Robinson, Rep. Kelly Cassidy, Ald. James Cappleman, Ald. Tom Tunney, Ald. Maria Hadden, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Comm. Debra Shore, and Comm. Kevin Morrison will join Equality Illinois at the rally on Saturday.

Questions over Foxx's handling of the case involving the former "Empire" actor, who allegedly lied to police about a racist and homophobic attack last year, have impacted her re-election bid.

"You can't have a situation where politically connected people get better deals," Democratic candidate Bill Conway said during a Feb. 23 debate on WGN.

Democratic candidate Bob Fioretti said the case destroyed Foxx's integrity.

Foxx calls the Smollett case a distraction.

Conway, Fioretti and Donna More are challenging Foxx for Cook County State's Attorney in the March 17 primary elections.