American Federation of Teachers Endorses Sen. Barack Obama
Illinois Senator Welcomes Endorsement, Addresses AFT Convention

CHICAGO – The 3,000-plus delegates to the American Federation of Teachers convention today voted overwhelmingly to endorse the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama, setting in motion the union’s powerful and proven political program on his behalf. Immediately following the endorsement, Obama thanked the delegates live via satellite, saying he was "honored" by the endorsement.

"Sen. Obama believes, as we do, that our leaders have a responsibility to build the economy, not on the backs of poor and middle-class Americans, but for the benefit and well-being of all. His plans—to replace NCLB with education law that truly helps schools, instead of hurts them; to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare; and to bring home American troops as soon as possible—will help usher in a new era of progress and opportunity," said AFT President Edward J. McElroy.

With this endorsement, the AFT launches an all-out effort to inform its more than 1.4 million members about where the candidates stand on the issues, and to mobilize them to help elect Obama in November. The AFT turned out a record number of members to vote in the presidential primaries, and plans to build on that effort during the general election campaign.

Obama told the delegates he needed the union’s help to get to the White House, adding:

"From your earliest days in Chicago, you’ve stood up for change. When minorities weren’t allowed full union membership; when parents fought to integrate our schools; when it was time to take the march for civil rights to Washington—you stood up. And if you stand up with me in these next four months ... then I promise you this: We will win this election; we will change education in this country; and we will bring about a better future for our children and for this country we love."

"AFT members will work tirelessly to elect Sen. Obama as the next president of the United States,” McElroy said, “for the sake of our country, the institutions in which we work, and the children and citizens we serve."

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