Crist Wins Teachers Union Approval Along with Meek

Posted on Saturday, 05.22.10

By Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist's strategy to appeal to groups that typically support Democrats in the U.S. Senate race may be working.

On Saturday, Florida's statewide teachers union issued a dual endorsement in the closely watched race, backing both the independent Crist and Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek. It was the first time the Florida Education Association, which consistently backs Democrats, endorsed two candidates for a general election.

``Usually it's one or the other and there's in Florida a pretty stark difference between Democrats and Republicans,'' said FEA spokesman Mark Pudlow. ``In this case, having a third candidate in there kind of changed the scenario a little bit.''

Broward Teachers Union Joins School Board in Backing State's Race to the Top Bid

The Broward Teachers Union has reluctantly agreed to join the School Board in signing off on the state's second bid for a grant from the Race to the Top competition.

With little union support, Florida came up short in the first heat of Race to the Top, a $4.35 billion national education reform program. The Broward School Board also turned its back on the state's first application and refused to sign it.

This time around, in the second round, the board decided to endorse the state's new application. Broward schools could be eligible for $34 million over four years. On Wednesday, the Broward Teachers Union did, too.