Garcia Banks on Latino Vote to Help Him Pull Ahead

"The Latino community has an opportunity to make itself felt and heard in Chicago, as well as nationally," Garcia told NBC Chicago early Tuesday

Mayoral candidate Jesus "Chuy" Garcia hopes the Latino community will help him pull ahead of the polls in Tuesday's election.

"The Latino community has an opportunity to make itself felt and heard in Chicago, as well as nationally," Garcia told NBC Chicago early Tuesday while outside St. Cajetan School, at 2447 West 112th St., in the 19th Ward.

"It's a growing community, so it really needs to come out today to show that it's going to matter in the future and that it's a key force in the city of Chicago," he added.

Garcia, who currently serves on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, has 48 percent of the Hispanic vote, according to a recent Chicago Tribune poll. He's shown himself to be a tough contender against Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

However, the mayor has strong support from Hispanics with 33 percent of the vote, according to the same Chicago Tribune survey.

Emanuel needs 50 percent plus one vote at the polls to avoid having the race extend to an April 7 runoff.

"This is about democracy," Garcia said. "This is about the neighborhoods having some power once again in Chicago, and making their voice heard at the polls."

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