Federal File

The National Education Association early this month left no doubt about its leanings in the 2002 presidential election.

No, we're not confused. Yes, President Bush won't face the voters until 2004. But in the parallel universe of "The West Wing" on NBC, Democratic President Josiah Bartlet goes for another four years on Nov. 5. And the NEA is solidly behind the (fictional) Man from New Hampshire.

"The National Education Association strongly agrees with President Bartlet's call for more teachers and better funded public schools," the union said in an...