Hillary Clinton Wins Key Endorsement From American Federation of Teachers

[madfloridian]

15. Perusing Twitter and Facebook teachers' comments...

They don't seem very happy overall.

The executive committee of AFT made the decision. Many members complaining they had no input, were not polled.

American Federation of Teachers Endorses Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON -- Hillary Clinton picked up an early if not surprising endorsement on Saturday from one of the country's largest labor unions: the American Federation of Teachers.

The executive council of the 1.6-million member AFT voted "overwhelmingly" in favor of backing the early frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, according to an announcement from the union. It marks the first endorsement from a major national labor union during the 2016 presidential campaign.

"Hillary Clinton is a tested leader who shares our values, is supported by our members, and is prepared for a tough fight on behalf of students, families and communities," Randi Weingarten, the union's president, said in the statement.

Weingarten and Clinton have been personal friends for years and the union threw its weight behind the Democrat during her 2008 campaign as well. In the resolution declaring its endorsement, the AFT said it polled its members twice and held two town halls before deciding which primary candidate to back.

At both Twitter and Facebook there are many teachers who are upset and angry. They intend not to follow the endorsement.

https://twitter.com/search?q=aft%20hillary&src=typd

https://www.facebook.com/AFTunion/posts/10153179896154160

Arthur Goldstein, aka TeacherArthurG is taking a poll at his NYC Educator website.

http://nyceducator.com/2015/07/hillary-and-randi.html

AFT poll turns out to actually be one of those famous 10-foot poles we've all heard so much about. We will keep you updated here at NYC Educator.