Union leader backs county commissioner for Chicago mayor

Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis has thrown her support behind a Cook County commissioner's effort to unseat Rahm Emanuel as the city's mayor.

Lewis was considered Emanuel's most formidable opponent. However, she announced last month she was seriously ill and wouldn't run for mayor.

In a video released Friday on the teachers union website, Lewis throws her support behind Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia. She calls Garcia "a committed and effective public servant" who will work for all of Chicago.

Garcia is critical of Emanuel's decision to close about 50 public schools last year. He says he will question the mayor's ties to Washington and his perceived abrasive personality.

Garcia has $18,000 in his campaign fund. Emanuel has nearly $9 million.

Also running for mayor is Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti.