On July 13, 2008, delegates to the 2008 AFT Convention in Chicago overwhelmingly voted to endorse Sen. Barack Obama (D - Ill.) in his bid for the presidency.  The AFT press release announcing the endorsement follows:

FOR RELEASE: July 13, 2008 
CONTACT: Chuck Porcari
202/879-4458

The 3,000-plus delegates to the American Federation of Teachers convention today voted overwhelmingly to endorse the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama, setting in motion the union’s powerful and proven political program on his behalf. Immediately following the endorsement, Obama thanked the delegates live via satellite, saying he was "honored" by the endorsement.

"Sen. Obama believes, as we do, that our leaders have a responsibility to build the economy, not on the backs of poor and middle-class Americans, but for the benefit and well-being of all. His plans—to replace NCLB with education law that truly helps schools, instead of hurts them; to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare; and to bring home American troops as soon as possible—will help usher in a new era of progress and opportunity," said AFT President Edward J. McElroy.

With this endorsement, the AFT launches an all-out effort to inform its more than 1.4 million members about where the candidates stand on the issues, and to mobilize them to help elect Obama in November. The AFT turned out a record number of members to vote in the presidential primaries, and plans to build on that effort during the general election campaign.

Obama told the delegates he needed the union’s help to get to the White House, adding:

"From your earliest days in Chicago, you’ve stood up for change. When minorities weren’t allowed full union membership; when parents fought to integrate our schools; when it was time to take the march for civil rights to Washington—you stood up. And if you stand up with me in these next four months ... then I promise you this: We will win this election; we will change education in this country; and we will bring about a better future for our children and for this country we love."

"AFT members will work tirelessly to elect Sen. Obama as the next president of the United States,” McElroy said, “for the sake of our country, the institutions in which we work, and the children and citizens we serve."

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The AFT represents more than 1.4 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.
 

Zogby Poll: Obama by a Nose in New Nationwide Test

Utica, New York - Democrat Barack Obama wins 43% support, and Republican John McCain 40% in the latest Zogby Interactive online survey of the U.S. presidential race, with third party candidate Bob Barr winning 6% backing nationlally.

In a two-way race including just McCain and Obama, Obama leads by a 44% to 42% margin with 14% either undecided or favoring someone else.