Oxford claims endorsement

From the Oxford campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2004

The Missouri National Education Association supports Jeanette Mott Oxford in her bid for election to the Missouri House of Representatives. Oxford is running for the 59th district seat.
“Missouri’s future is at stake in this election more than any election in the last decade,” says MNEA President Greg Jung, a fifth-grade teacher. “Our recommendation process is rigorous, and Jeanette Mott Oxford clearly measures up on the issues that are important to Missouri’s children, their future and our state’s public education system. She deserves the support of every voter who believes the future of our state depends on the quality of our schools.”
The MNEA Political Action Committee evaluates candidates for office on the basis of their support for four issues: 1) preserving and strengthening public education, including increasing funding for schools; 2) ensuring children’s health and safety; 3) maximizing student learning, including smaller class sizes and early childhood education; and 4) respecting school employees, including improved salaries and professional development funding. The voting records of incumbents, questionnaires completed by candidates and lengthy interviews with candidates are all considered as the education association decides who will receive its support.
The 32,000-member MNEA represents teachers, education support professionals, retired teachers and students studying to be teachers in school districts and on college campuses throughout the state. It is the Missouri affiliate of the 2.7 million-member National Education Association.