Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia releases TV ad in race for mayor

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Jesus "Chuy" Garcia has released the only TV ad he will run in his campaign for Chicago mayor.

Incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel is calling it an attack ad.

In the ad, which aired two days after the start of early voting, Garcia promises again to hire 1,000 new police officers, blasting Emanuel for not spending more to fight crime.

"He's given big corporations $100 million in tax breaks. If there's enough money to keep them happy, there ought to be enough to keep us safe," the ad says.

Emanuel, with a huge campaign war chest, began a barrage of commercials late last year and self-funded businessman Willie Wilson began buying TV time on a smaller scale last month.

Garcia, way behind in fundraising, says his only ad will air until Election Day.

"At this point it's one ad. But we'll be on the radio also and social media," Garcia said.

An Emanuel campaign email said "It's sad that Chuy chose to go negative," and that the alleged $100 million in corporate tax breaks is "both untrue and unsupported." The email added that "Chuy resorted to the same failed politics that drove Chicago to the brink."

Media polls suggest Emanuel is still short of the 50 percent plus one majority needed for a first round victory. The same polls show Garcia in the high teens.

"I think if we can come in at 30 percent, there will be a runoff and I definitely think we can do that," Garcia said.

The two other contenders, Ald. Bob Fioretti and perennial candidate William Walls, have not aired broadcast TV ads.

Election Day is Feb. 24, and early voting is underway.