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Teachers union backs the incumbent underdog… again

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Illinois

* Press release…

The Illinois Education Association (IEA) today endorsed Bob Dold for re-election due to his strong record on education that is directly impacting Illinois’ 10th District schools and students.

“We need more leaders in Congress like Bob Dold. Congressman Dold consistently reaches across the aisle and stands up for our schools and our students. Bob Dold fought for long-term funding for North Chicago Schools and he worked in a bi-partisan manner to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act, which will help local schools educate the children in their own communities. Bob has our strong recommendation,” said Kathi Griffin, IEA Vice-President.

“Education is the greatest source of opportunity to help get Americans back to work and equip generations to lead. As a father of three, I understand the importance of giving our children the tools they need to succeed,” said Rep. Dold. “The Illinois Education Association is a strong advocate for public education and works to increase opportunities for children in our communities. I am honored to receive their endorsement.”

The IEA endorsed the incumbent Dold in 2012 (when he lost his seat to Democrat Brad Schneider in a presidential year), and backed the incumbent Schneider in 2014 (when Schneider lost his seat to Dold in an off-year).

So, the union is back to endorsing an incumbent who’s facing an election year with strong national headwinds.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 12:33 pm

Comments

Me thinks this musical chairs will continue until after the 2020 redistrict when IL loses another seat or two and Jane has to be saved by madigan.

Comment by atsuishin Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 12:41 pm
So history shows that the IEA endorsement means nothing in CD10.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 12:42 pm
“I’d like to thank the IEA for this Kiss of Death, er endorsement…”

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 12:43 pm
King-makers they ain’t…

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 12:48 pm
Expect an IEA endorsement for Schneider in about 24 months.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 12:52 pm
The IEA persists in testing the definition of insanity meme. /s

#hardlydeft

Comment by Deft Wing Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 1:01 pm
The endorsement is based on the incumbents voting record. If they did not keep their promise to endorse their supporters, who would listen to them?

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 1:26 pm
Well my union does things that I don’t understand. Maybe they’ve got a plan. Kinda like the Teamsters leader playing nice with Rauner and signing a contract and low and behold Teamsters at IDOT get huge bonuses yesterday.
It’s nice to know that rank and file in every union will almost always shake their heads in disbelief at leadership/management.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 1:26 pm
I doubt there is any polling that would indicate Dold is an underdog.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 1:53 pm
I’ve been involved in some of these in my districts. PCK is correct. When you endorse a candidate and they do what you ask and communicate with you and support your interests, it is difficult to say…Thanks…We are going with the other guy now. Having said that, sounds like they can’t lose.

Comment by Exit 59 Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 2:05 pm
Dold needs anything he can get at this point.

The writing is on the wall for his campaign.

Comment by lake county Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 2:23 pm
This election will be close but won’t matter. Paul Ryans job is safe but Dold deserves to stay in any event

Comment by Sue Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 2:23 pm
why not just stay neutral if both candidates are good for education. But sometimes they stay neutral in races that the incumbent has shown repeatedly to vote against their issues Like in the 99th house race.

Comment by Publius Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 3:10 pm
The IEA continues to want it both ways.

Comment by The Fool On The Hill Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 3:16 pm
Kirk won the old CD 10 with the IEA’s endorsement 3 consecutive times. Not sure this is a kiss of death. I do get why they do it. If someone supports you then you bail at crunch time. Why help them anyway?

Comment by One of Three Puppets Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 3:53 pm
99th? Isn’t it one of the most Republican districts in the state? Why diminish an endorsement for someone that doesn’t stand a chance.

Comment by On the Outs Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 3:58 pm
=== Dold needs anything he can get at this point.

The writing is on the wall for his campaign. ===

Based on what? No doubt it will be a super tight race, and Dold may very well lose, but I don’t see any writing on the wall. And I live in the district.

Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Sep 1, 16 @ 4:40 pm