The Connecticut Education Association that represents 43,000 Connecticut teachers issued its endorsements for state and federal races today including several for Bridgeport candidates. Does this endorsement matter? In a close race, you bet. Full list of endorsements for General Assembly here.
News release from CEA:
As momentum builds toward Election Day, CEA President Sheila Cohen today announced endorsements for members of Connecticut’s General Assembly, the state’s Constitutional Officers, and Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation.
“The education community looks to CEA as the voice of sound education policy in Connecticut,” said Cohen. “We’re here to help our members make the right choices. We know on critical education issues—school funding, pensions, collective bargaining, and standardized testing–there’s a better direction for students, teachers, and public education. We’re here to point the way and help members elect lawmakers who value and respect the important role public education and teachers play in our state.”
“The candidates endorsed by the CEA Board of Directors are committed to making sure all children have access to the high-quality public education necessary to succeed in the 21st century. The growth and success of our students is of utmost importance to educators, and we are proud to endorse candidates who share our priorities and values and who will work hard to strengthen our public schools,” said Cohen.
A variety of measures are used to evaluate candidates before CEA makes an endorsement, including incumbent voting records, responses to a comprehensive questionnaire, in-person interviews, and input from local leaders and members.
So the CEA made an endorsement. Is anyone surprised on who they endorsed? This is not news.
I am definitely ready for that shower now. Love that Minnie Gonzalez is being endorsed and there are some really good candidates in other cities. Andre Baker, Andres Ayala and Ezequiel Santiago are bottom of the barrel in my opinion. Notice Stallworth and Rosario are not endorsed. That was a good decision on the CEA’s part.
This is just pro-forma. About six Republicans, the rest are Democrats. CEA agenda is their (Democrats) agenda, otherwise, no PAC support. Did teachers vote on this?
Gee Tom, I counted 13 in the House and four in the Senate. That’s about three times what you gave them credit for.
Also, the very first step in the process is to apply for their endorsement by filling out a questionnaire. Do you think not many Republicans even bothered to do that because they didn’t want their endorsement?
Damned if you do. Damned if you don’t.
The BEA board did not meet and vote on the Bridgeport candidates.
Will the BEA be endorsing? Why not? Was Andres Ayala and Ezequiel Santiago vocal when the Public Education Establishment came under assault? For example, I was present when the opposition to State takeover of our school started taking shape. I had taken out petitions to qualify to be on the ballot for BOE primary. I was gentlemen enough to drop the petition drive and actively and aggressively helped the three Democratic challengers; took days off work and turned down overtime to help; contributed $250 towards the effort (Lindley Street headquarters) and on and on. Bob Traber, afraid to take a position?
I will forcefully reply to this irresponsible, careless and senseless act on the part of the CEA with a commentary by Monday.
We will all wait breathlessly for your reply.
No, this appears to be a well-thought-out reason for the CEA to endorse a candidate to their liking.
MARILYN MOORE (D)
Running for State Senate in District 22
Towns: Bridgeport (p), Monroe (p), Trumbull
Marilyn Moore is a lifelong Bridgeport resident. She is mother to three adult children and nine grandchildren. Marilyn attended Bridgeport public schools and the University of Bridgeport. A retired executive from AT&T (formerly SNET), Marilyn displayed strong leadership skills, vision and the ability to work between various workgroups to accomplish the organization’s goals. Running for State Senate in Connecticut’s 22nd State Senate District which includes all of Trumbull, a large section of Bridgeport a portion of Monroe.
– See more at: www .cea.org/politics/election2014/
Joel, both Andres Ayala and Ezequiel Santiago supported the illegal takeover of the BBOE. When the CT Supreme Court ruled the takeover was illegal, Andres Ayala and Ezequiel Santiago supported Mayor Finch and Malloy’s attempt to circumvent that ruling through retroactive legislation.