The National Education Association last week officially endorsed the Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate, Gov. Michael S. Dukakis of Massachusetts.
The nea’s president, Mary Hatwood Futrell, said at a press conference here that Mr. Dukakis had received 86 percent of the votes cast in the union’s endorsement process, more than any other Presidential candidate has ever received.
“I’m certain this enthusiastic vote of support will translate into enthusiastic campaigning--and a victory for Mike Dukakis--in this fall’s election,” Ms. Futrell said.
Representing his father at the press conference, John Dukakis said the Democrats were “looking forward to working, campaigning, and winning with the nea”
When asked why the union always supports Democratic candidates for President, Ms. Futrell noted that, while education is a bipartisan issue, the Republicans have since 1976 made a “deliberate political decision” not to be involved in the nea ballot process.
“Nea members tend to support candidates who are respectful and supportive of them,” the union president said.--jw
