The powerful Oregon Education Association announced late Saturday afternoon that its members had endorsed Bill Bradbury over John Kitzhaber in the Democratic primary for the governor's seat.
"These recommended candidates have, in their own unique ways, demonstrated consistent leadership and support for public education and school employees throughout their careers in public service," said OEA president Gail Rasmussen.
The OEA represents about 48,000 teachers in the state. While not the largest union, they carry tremendous clout with Democrats in the legislature and played a major role in the passage of Measures 66 and 67.
The endorsement vote came from 350 members attending a convetion in Eugene.
Kitzhaber earlier had garnered the endorsement of the Oregon AFL-CIO and Teamsters Joint Council 37.
The Oregon AFL-CIO represents more than 225,000 Oregonians, and the Teamsters Joint Council 37 represents about 30,000 workers around the state. Both announced their endorsements on Friday.
Bradbury earlier received the endorsement Saturday of the 33,000 member Oregon School Employees Association who include community college professors and school support staffs. He also was endorsed by the Oregon Local 6732 of the American Federation of Teachers.
The OEA also endorsed all current incumbents in the Oregon Congressional races.
