A coalition of about 25 community groups, prominent attorneys and a member of McDonald's family had sought a special prosecutor earlier this year while Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez was in the midst of a heated re-election battle. They argued that Alvarez had a cozy relationship with the Chicago police union, creating a conflict of interest. After her resounding loss in the Democratic primary, Alvarez withdrew from the Van Dyke prosecution. She denied any conflict but said a special prosecutor would "provide continuity in the handling of this very important and complicated case."