OR-1: OEA endorses Avakian

Kari Chisholm

On Saturday, the Oregon Education Association endorsed Brad Avakian in the first congressional district race. So far in the race, most major unions - including SEIU, AFSCME, and the AFL-CIO - have decided to stay neutral.

From the AP:

The choice of Avakian came after debate among the board members for the political action committee, said BethAnne Darby, the OEA's associate director who oversees public affairs.

"At the end of the day, they felt that Brad Avakian was the stronger of the three for representing OEA," Darby said. ....

"I've put the hard work in for schools and teachers my entire career, whether it was volunteering as a dad to build stages and sets for plays at local high schools, or leading the effort that will restore career education and shop class to all Oregon middle and high schools," Avakian said in a statement.

The endorsement comes shortly after Avakian launched an Educators for Avakian organizing effort, including endorsements from several dozen teachers, principals, and other education professionals.

Discuss.