The Maine AFL-CIO and MEA Endorse Mitchell

When I heard that the Maine AFL-CIO and the Maine Education Association endorsed Libby Mitchell for governor I darn near fell out of my chair.  Shocked, surprised, and stunned accurately describe my feelings upon hearing the news.  That same day, I was floored when word reached me that breathing is still the most popular method for oxygenating the blood.  Imagine my amazement when I also heard that the sun will continue rising and setting as planned for the foreseeable future.  Someone splash water on my face.  I’m feeling a little dizzy.

Sarcasm aside, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Mitchell grabbed support from these two unions.  According to Project Vote Smart, between 2005-2008, Mitchell supported the Maine AFL-CIO’s interests in 90-100 percent of her votes.  One of the votes that likely contributed to Mitchell’s favorable rating was her 2006 vote in favor of increasing the minimum wage – LD 235.  The union was pleased by Mitchell’s work on the paid sick days bill – LD 1665 – and the vacation pay bill – LD 1626.  In a press release, the AFL-CIO stated they also chose Mitchell because of her experience putting Mainers back to work in good paying jobs and for being a champion of workers.  “When you compare the candidates in this race on working family issues, there is only one candidate who has consistently stood on the side of workers fighting for better wages and benefits, safer workplaces, workers’ rights to organize and a quality education for all and that is Libby Mitchell,” said Maine AFL-CIO President Don Berry.

Mitchell’s votes on educational issues also align with the MEA’s positions.  The MEA has been against   charter schools being allowed in Maine.  Mitchell voted against charters in 2006 – LD 1798 – and recently in 2009 – LD 1438.  Mitchell also voted in favor of increasing the teacher minimum salary in 2006 – LD 1381.  Side note – I would explore Mitchell’s voting record further, but the legislative archival website has been down for a few days.  MEA President Chris Galgay said that Mitchell’s experience as a teacher and bipartisan track record influenced the MEA’s decision to support her.    “We expect to have to confront some tough choices as a State during the next four years,” said Galgay.  “The Federal Government continues to experiment with “contests” to decide which public schools get funding. While the majority of Maine’s schools continue to perform well, some are showing signs of falling behind.  As many of our educators near retirement, we must make sure that our state is attracting the best and the brightest young teachers who are well prepared to teach our students and prepare them for their futures.”

The MEA invited all candidates to be interviewed as part of their endorsement process.  Paul LePage was the only candidate who did not respond.  With his support for homeschooling and school choice, LePage was out of the running from the start.  Eliot Cutler, a supporter of charter schools, was also unlikely to receive the MEA’s stamp of approval.  Though the MEA said they were inspired by Shaw Moody’s interview, Mitchell’s record in Maine’s legislature made her an obvious choice for the MEA.

The endorsements themselves do not translate to direct votes for Mitchell.  Those supportive of these two unions were likely in Mitchell’s corner already.  MEA and AFL-CIO detractors weren’t going to vote for Mitchell.  She may gain or lose a handful of votes from the endorsements, but it is nothing that will make or break Mitchell.  The real bonuses here are advertising and volunteer efforts.

Both unions could produce independent ads for Mitchell’s campaign or against her opponents.  They also possess the ability to rally volunteers to a cause.  The MEA’s efforts against TABOR last fall illustrates this point.  The MEA funded two PACs in opposition to TABOR; Citizens Who Support Maine’s Public Schools and Citizens Unified for Maine’s Future.  Between those two PACs, the MEA donated $155,116.53.  Those donations helped fund television and print ads, phone banks, and other campaign efforts.  The MEA circulated their own anti-TABOR literature among their members as well, one equating TABOR with a “horror show” and another likening the Maine Heritage Policy Center to a bunch of mosquitoes.

The MEA was a driving force behind the anti-TABOR, and on other issues, in other ways too.  The MEA often sends “action alerts” to members.  These alerts rally members to support or oppose a particular cause.  This can translate into an organized grassroots force.  When the legislature cut the state education budget the MEA and its members were at the capital protesting.  The end result wasn’t exactly as good as the MEA hoped for, but K-12 funding did see some relief.

The MEA leadership has been quite vocal in their opposition to the Race to the Top.  When it came time to discuss performance pay for teachers, the MEA got just the plan they asked for, and then opposed it.  Regardless of how they acted afterward, the MEA got what they wanted.  They have considerable clout.  Now image that determination behind a gubernatorial candidate.

The support of the AFL-CIO and MEA won’t win the race for Mitchell.  It will take a combined effort, culling support from many areas.  The two unions however are prepared to aid Mitchell in some serious grassroots efforts.  Based on that, it certainly wont hurt Mitchell to have them in her corner.