Hatch gets endorsement from state teachers union

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch's challenge of Republican Gov. Terry Branstad has won the backing of the 34,000-member state teachers union's political action committee.

After hearing from both candidates, the Iowa State Education Association Political Action Committee Central Committee recommended Hatch for governor Wednesday.

'We are grateful to both Gov. Branstad and Sen. Hatch for taking time out of their busy schedules to talk with Iowa educators about important issues facing public schools,” said Tammy Wawro of Cedar Rapids, ISEA president.

'After careful deliberations, the committee made up of both Democrat and Republican members, recommended Jack Hatch,” she said. 'Hatch best represents our values, beliefs, and we believe he will best represent the students of Iowa.”

Also Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin applauded Hatch's choice of Cedar Rapids City Councilwoman Monica Vernon as his running mate.

'Monica Vernon has all of the qualities of an effective lieutenant governor: She is knowledgeable and sincere and she knows our state,” Harkin said. 'What makes her so unique is the global perspective she brings to this race. She understands the needs of Iowans at a very local level. She is a successful businesswoman who has grown a company from the ground up. She also knows what it means to leverage federal and state resources to help an area rebuild after disaster.”

l Comments: (319 398-8375; james.lynch@sourcemedia.net