Black Women's Expo draws mayoral candidates

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel and challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia are looking to sway some undecided female voters, as they both visited the Black Women's Expo at McCormick Place Saturday.

When Emanuel first ran for mayor in 2011 he won every majority black ward in Chicago. This time, even with the backing of President Barack Obama, the African American vote is split; that is why both Emanuel and Garcia could be found courting a segment of the electorate that everyone agrees will be critical come April 7.

The runoff election is 10 days away, but with early voting underway, both Emanuel and Garcia are campaigning around the clock. It is the first time in the Black Women's Expo's 20-year history that the candidates for mayor have sought it out as a forum to court more votes.

"It is the first time and it speaks to how important African American women are in this election," said Merry Green, Expo for Today's Black Women founder. "Our vote does count. We matter. Women still want to know, which one of these candidates should we go for?"

Both candidates seemed keenly aware of that, speaking to issues that resonate with African American women. For Garcia, that meant once again hammering the mayor on the issue of public safety and school closings.

"We can make neighborhoods safer for everyone and we can ensure there are good schools in every neighborhood in the City of Chicago, not just some," he said.

For his part, Mayor Emanuel focused on what he says is his record of promoting economic development and job creation on the city's South Side.

"Because Mariano's comes and now you have a Whole Foods coming to Englewood, there is other retail coming and we're starting to build the economy, so we create jobs right there in our families and our neighborhoods," he said.

According to some recent polls, Emanuel is currently leading Garcia when it comes to the African American vote by nearly 20 points, with 15 percent still undecided.

"The African American vote is going to be pivotal in this election," said ABC 7 Eyewitness News political analyst Laura Washington. "Rahm Emanuel has to do well in the community. He has to come close to matching the support and the turnout he had the last time around."

Voter turnout is certain to be the key to winning this election. And so far 67,000 Chicagoans have taken advantage of early voting; that is twice as many ballots cast as had been at this same point back in February. The period for early voting ends April 4.