President Obama re-election won the endorsement of the National Education Association on Monday, a day after Vice President Biden hit Chicago to deliver a speech to the politically influential teacher's union.

That the union--at its Chicago meeting-- backed a Democratic president is hardly a surprise. Biden flying to Chicago was a way for the Obama administration to pay its props to the union. What is noteworthy is that the NEA--in its statement backing Obama again--seems as concerned about state legislatures and Congress as retaining the White House.

"President Barack Obama shares our vision for a stronger America," said Dennis
Van Roekel, president of NEA in a statement. "He has never wavered from talking about the importance of education or his dedication to a vibrant middle class."

"...The last two years of state legislatures and the mid-term elections were
eye-opening...demonstrating what can happen when education legislation and
decisions are left in the hands of politicians who do not support public
schools," Van Roekel added. "We as a nation have to get our priorities right. We
cannot sacrifice our students' futures by shortchanging them now."

Find audio clips from Vice President Joe Biden's address at
http://www.nea.org/home/46078.htm