ALBANY, N.Y. April 12, 2016 — New York State United Teachers, meeting in Rochester for its annual Representative Assembly over the weekend, has issued its early support for candidates in three congressional races.
NYSUT’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to recommend to its national affiliates — the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association — that they endorse:
- Rep. Louise Slaughter, incumbent in the 25th congressional district (primary and general election)
- Zephyr Teachout, running for the vacancy in the 19th CD (primary and general election)
- Challenger John Plumb in the 23rd CD
“These candidates have each demonstrated a commitment to the issues important to NYSUT, its members and the professions we practice,” said NYSUT President Karen E. Magee.
“Our intent is to provide an early boost to their campaigns because we know they will ably represent our best interest and the best interests of all New York.”
Executive Vice President Andrew Pallotta said the union’s early backing of Slaughter, Teachout and Plumb will bring hundreds of NYSUT volunteers to phone bank, hand out literature and work on campaigns, as well as financial support to help defray the cost of running for office.
“NYSUT members go all out for candidates in whom they believe and trust,” Pallotta said. “Louise Slaughter, Zephyr Teachout and John Plumb are outstanding public servants who we are proud to support.”
NYSUT also endorsed Ron Castorina, a Staten Island Republican, for Assembly.
NYSUT will hold its endorsement conference for state offices in August.
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
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