This week, the Garcia campaign released “Elect,” which reminds voters that Mayor Emanuel shut 50 Chicago public schools and gave money from these schools to private charter schools, many founded and operated by some of his biggest campaign contributors.

All told, Mayor Emanuel has received more than $700,000 from individuals and organizations affiliated with Chicago’s private charter schools. A list of donors is attached to this release.

“This ad makes the point that, unlike Mayor Emanuel, Commissioner Garcia opposes the continued privatization of Chicago’s public schools. And, unlike Mayor Emanuel, Garcia opposes Mayoral control of Chicago’s public schools and supports allowing the people of Chicago to elect the School Board,” said Garcia Campaign Manager Andrew Sharp.

“For Mayor Emanuel, it’s always campaign contributors first, people last. Mayor Emanuel shut down 50 public schools and gave our public school money to private schools, many founded and operated by some of his biggest campaign contributors. It’s outrageous,” said Garcia Campaign Manager Andrew Sharp.

“Elect” was produced in both English and Spanish. The buy is substantial, citywide and covers all major English and Spanish language TV stations and cable networks.