NEA backs Obama again, day after Biden speech in Chicago

President Obama re-election won the endorsement of the National Education Association on Monday, a day after Vice President Biden hit Chicago to deliver a speech to the politically influential teacher’s union.

That the union–at its Chicago meeting– backed a Democratic president is hardly a surprise. Biden flying to Chicago was a way for the Obama administration to pay its props to the union. What is noteworthy is that the NEA–in its statement backing Obama again–seems as concerned about state legislatures and Congress as retaining the White House.

“President Barack Obama shares our vision for a stronger America,” said Dennis

Van Roekel, president of NEA in a statement. “He has never wavered from talking about the importance of education or his dedication to a vibrant middle class.”

“…The last two years of state legislatures and the mid-term elections were

eye-opening…demonstrating what can happen when education legislation and

decisions are left in the hands of politicians who do not support public

schools,” Van Roekel added. “We as a nation have to get our priorities right. We

cannot sacrifice our students’ futures by shortchanging them now.”

Find audio clips from Vice President Joe Biden’s address at

http://www.nea.org/home/46078.htm