Sam Adam Jr. explores running for state's attorney

Sneed has learned that Sam Adam Jr., 42, the brazen and colorful attorney who represented former Gov. Rod Blagojevich at his first corruption trial, is forming an exploratory committee to run for Cook County state’s attorney in 2016 against Democratic incumbent Anita Alvarez.

Sneed is told Adam, who successfully defended singer R. Kelly and secured his acquittal in a child pornography trial, is putting together a campaign; picked his famous father’s pocket for money to run it; and met with some local politicians who are encouraging him to run.

Adam, a South Side native and son of noted local defense attorney Sam Adam Sr., is known for his blustery showmanship in the courtroom. He often draws on Bible references, current affairs and pop culture in his aggressive closing arguments.

“I’ve been approached to run and have been giving it a lot of thought,” Adam told Sneed. “So much so, I am taking the serious step of forming an exploratory committee,” he added. He would run as a Democrat.

“I am committed to the protection of individual rights — both the rights of citizens as well as victims, which is foremost in my mind,” he said, using the imbroglio in Ferguson, Missouri, as an example.

“Violence is a scourge and my focus. After all, I live on the South Side of Chicago, where most of the violence happens.

“You know, I was drilled by my father, Sam Adam, about public service since I was 3. The first document he made me read was the Declaration of Independence and from the age of 10 every Fourth of July he would test me on the U.S. Constitution with the reward of a bike or a double sawbuck!

“Dad practiced 52 years at the bar; a consummate trial lawyer who practiced all over the country, and he continues to instill in my three children the importance of public service and giving back to the community.”

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