Another Endorsement for McCloskey

It looks like Pete has a lot of energy going. I am almost getting exhausted posting the stuff I hear about him. This time, a nice, large union endorsement with some good local (Lodi, Stockton) comments. That,in itself, shows just how much this self-proclaimed carpetbagger has found a home.

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2006
Contact: John McManus, 209-463-1200

California Teachers Association Endorses Republican Pete McCloskey in 11th Congressional District


Sacramento, CA. The California Teachers Association, in a break from its custom of endorsing Democrats, is recommending former Congressman Pete McCloskey in the 11th Congressional district. McCloskey is challenging incumbent Richard Pombo for the Republican nomination in the June 6 primary. The winner will face the Democratic primary winner in the November midterm election. The teacher's endorsement was for both the primary and November elections. The 11th congressional district spans parts of four counties and includes Stockton, Lodi, Tracy, Morgan Hill, San Ramon and other cities and towns.

The CTA voted unanimously at a recent Los Angeles meeting to recommend McCloskey for Congress. The CTA represents and serves more than 335,000 members - consisting of teachers and other education employees in the state’s more than 1,000 school districts.

Pete McCloskey gained a reputation, during his previous fifteen years in Congress, as the “Conscience of the House,” and the teachers expressed hope that their recommendation will help return him there.

Sue Kenmotsu, chapter president of the Lodi Education Association, said “I think Pete McCloskey is that rare person who is experienced in public life, has a reputation for integrity, is an independent thinker and a solid decision maker. McCloskey holds mainstream core values that we have been missing in this county for a long time.”

"I'm deeply honored to get the CTA endorsement," McCloskey said. "Today's teachers are really on the front lines in maintaining this nation's pre-eminent status in producing educated young people who will be leading our nation and the world during the difficult days ahead. I know of no group in society which faces more difficult challenges than those teachers have to cope with on a daily basis."

Lodi high school teacher Alice Campbell was among the CTA members who interviewed the congressional candidates before the CTA made its recommendation. Campbell said, “After interviewing Pete, I went to the secretary of state’s website and changed my voter designation to decline to state. Because I’m a registered Democrat, changing to decline to state now allows me to vote for Pete in the Republican primary.”

Another teacher who interviewed McCloskey for the CTA was Stockton elementary school teacher Pamela Rust. “He made me proud to be a Republican,” said Rust. “He really genuinely cares about people. I don’t think he has an agenda except to represent us.”

The California Teachers Association is an affiliate of the National Education Association.

Tags: CA-11, Richard Pombo, Pete McCloskey, California Teachers Association, CTA