The state’s teacher’s union will stand behind Republican Brad Little in the November gubernatorial race, the Idaho Press reported this week.
Idaho Education Association President Kari Overall says her group’s endorsement of Little carries into the Nov. 6 election, the Idaho Press’ Betsy Russell reported in an in-depth story on the governor’s race.
The IEA had contributed $5,000 to Little’s campaign on May 14, the day before the lieutenant governor captured the GOP’s nomination. Since then, the IEA co-sponsored an Aug. 29 fund-raiser for Little, Russell reported.
“I told (the IEA) we’re going to have a ‘children’s cabinet’ that will meet on a regular basis, and they’ll be part of it,” Little told Russell.
Democratic nominee Paulette Jordan told Russell she was “baffled” by the IEA’s decision.
“What they don’t see or maybe have not taken the time to see is my platform on education, which is far superior to my opposition,” Jordan told Russell.
In past elections, the IEA has generally supported Democratic candidates. But the union has split its support this year.
The IEA has endorsed Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, but has also endorsed Cindy Wilson, a Democrat who is running against GOP state superintendent Sherri Ybarra.
