The race between Gov. Pat Quinn and Democratic challenger Dan Hynes continues to heat up and the early release controversy is serving as the spark.

After blasting Quinn in a weeks-worth of interviews and filing a second Freedom of Information Act request to obtain a full accounting of the inmates released under the so-called "MGT Push" program, Hynes is airing a new television ad today titled "Do Better." It begins with a series mug shots floating across the screen, as the narrator says: "Pat Quinn caught secretly releasing 1,700 dangerous criminals to try and save money." The ad then tries to tie this issue to Quinn's stewardship of the state budget, as well as his unsuccessful push for an income tax hike last year -- all under the umbrella of "bad judgment."  Joining the two topics is one ad is a bit of an odd choice at this juncture, considering that many viewers probably don't know much about the early release issue at the moment (after all, the story developed over the holidays). Watch it below:

The Quinn campaign sent out a press release this afternoon in response to what they characterize as a "negative, deceptive" commercial:

"Today, Comptroller Dan Hynes released yet another in a series of negative, deceptive campaign commercials designed to misstate Governor Pat Quinn’s record in office.

This misleading Willie Horton-style ad hearkens back to campaigns of years past that exploited the fears and prejudices of American voters. We had hoped that, with the election of President Barack Obama, such politically motivated fear-mongering was behind us all. Sadly, that has not proven to be the case.

Like Hynes’ previous commercials, this ad reflects a desperate campaign that resorts to destructive negativity because it can offer no positive message to voters.

In related news, the Quinn campaign has a new ad up as well, titled "Leader." Here it is:

Quinn was also endorsed by the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization, which cited his "willingness to fight for the people."

Full Disclosure: The SEIU Illinois State Council, which sponsors this website, has endorsed Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary for governor.