Great news on the endorsement front in the Alaska Senate race...
Today Mayor Mark Begich was endorsed by the National Education Association and NEA-Alaska for US Senate. Mark was also endorsed by ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 last week.
NEA President Bill Bjork spoke on behalf of the organization on why they were endorsing Mark and why they chose to do so earlier than ever before.
Mark Begich understands public education. From his father being a teacher down to his current family members who teach Alaska’s children, Mark understands the issues faced by Alaska’s children and public school employees.
Begich spoke about what the endorsement means to him and to his candidacy:
I am incredibly honored to get the endorsement of the National Education Association. It means a lot to me personally that one of my first endorsements is coming from educators. My family has a long tradition in education.The fact that you made this endorsement early is especially important because it sends a message across our state that we need new leadership in Washington to fight for Alaska teachers, parents and children, and to make sure Alaskans have the best schools possible. I will also demand the supplemental funding the federal government promised, instead of leaving our communities on the hook. And I’ll work for vital pre-school funding because we know the earliest years are the most important for our kids.
I am incredibly honored to get the endorsement of the National Education Association. It means a lot to me personally that one of my first endorsements is coming from educators. My family has a long tradition in education.
The fact that you made this endorsement early is especially important because it sends a message across our state that we need new leadership in Washington to fight for Alaska teachers, parents and children, and to make sure Alaskans have the best schools possible.
I will also demand the supplemental funding the federal government promised, instead of leaving our communities on the hook. And I’ll work for vital pre-school funding because we know the earliest years are the most important for our kids.
You can read the full press release on the endorsement here and the full text of Mark's remarks here.
Here's Mark talking about why the early endorsement from the NEA is so important, as well as why education is a key issue for him:
Here's Mark's former teacher, Sharon Clawson, talking about why she things Mark is headed towards great things:
I also have pictures from the press conference up on Flickr.
Disclosure: I work as Mark Begich's online communications director.