Education Minnesota to discuss gov endorsement tomorrow

From MPR's Tom Weber:

The PAC board for Education Minnesota will meet Saturday, at which time it could make an endorsement in this year's race for governor.

The PAC board has the option to make an endorsement, but is not required to.

"This is not a drop dead date for the PAC board," said union president Tom Dooher, during a press conference Friday afternoon. "It's just another meeting for them to review what's happening and how it's all going."

The PAC board has declined to endorse in previous meetings, but one difference this time is that this is the first meeting to occur since the DFL and GOP state nominating conventions. Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher won the DFL endorsement for governor but she's facing a primary battle with former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton and former legislator Matt Entenza. State Rep. Tom Emmer won the GOP endorsement.

The PAC board meeting will also likely occur at the same time lawmakers will be trying to hammer out agreement at the Capitol on an education omnibus bill that has included some proposals in early versions that Ed Minn opposes. Those include language to create alternative pathways to teaching. The union says it's fine with alternative pathways, but not if they lower the standards needed to become a teacher.

Education Minnesota has traditionally endorsed Democrats. So the question is: If they stayed back during Kelliher-Rybak, will they do the same during Kelliher-Dayton-Entenza?

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.