Frustrated with both candidates, the Illinois Education Association -- one of the state's most politically powerful labor unions -- has decided to sit out the race for governor for the first time in three decades. The union declined to endorse either Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich or Republican challenger Judy Baar Topinka, after deeming their school funding plans unacceptable. The decision Friday night by leaders of the 125,000-member union represents a blow to Blagojevich. He was endorsed by the IEA in his initial 2002 run for governor.
See "Teachers sit out top race", Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, September 17, 2006