The tentative deal reached between New York City and its teachers' union will benefit not only those at the negotiating table, but the mayor himself in his re-election campaign. The contract potentially removes the prospect of city teachers loudly questioning his education record in television ads and protests as he sets out to capitalize on his signature issue of overhauling the schools.
See "Neutralizing the Teachers: Win-Win for Mayor and the Union Chief", Jim Rutenberg and Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, October 3, 2005