Laquan McDonald Case Looms Large Over State's Attorney Debate
(CBS) -- The handling of the Laquan McDonald case dominated Friday's debate between Democratic candidates running for Cook County state's attorney.
CBS 2's Audrina Bigos was there when the gloves came off.
Fighting to be the county's top prosecutor were Kim Foxx, former chief of staff to County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Donna More, a former state and federal prosecutor; and incumbent State's Attorney Anita Alvarez, who is seeking her third term.
Alvarez says her opponents don't have enough experience to lead the office.
"Neither one of them have ever even reviewed a murder case or looked at a police shooting," she said during a candidates forum hosted by ABC 7.
But More and Foxx focused on Alvarez's handling of the fatal shooting of McDonald, a 17-year-old African American suspect, by a white officer in 2014.
"I think we all know that Anita Alvarez was involved in a cover-up," More said of the public backlash following the delayed release of a dashcam video.
Fox said the alleged cover-up "has caused a crisis in confidence in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office."
Alvarez argues that she is the only candidate who has tried and convicted officers for misconduct. But critics challenge Alvarez because it took her office more than a year to file murder charges against Jason Van Dyke, the officer who shot McDonald.
"Nobody trusts you to do the right thing," More said.
Alvarez attacked Foxx for using McDonald footage in her latest campaign ad. She said Foxx is a "a proven liar about her experience."
In the end, the finger pointed back at Alvarez.
"She is a serial screw up," More said.
After endorsing Alvarez in 2008 and 2012, the Chicago Tribune announced Friday it will endorse Foxx.
