Political Notes: Teachers Back Edwards in Prince George's; SEIU Targets Senators
The Prince George’s County Education Association has taken sides in the race to replace County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D). The union announced Monday that it is backing former U.S. Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D) for the job.
“Donna Edwards has the vision and integrity to move this county forward,” said Theresa Mitchell Dudley, the union president. “It is time to restore accountability and transparency to our school system, and we are confident that Ms. Edwards is the right person for the job.”
Edwards has been a vocal critic of the school system’s leadership, calling for schools CEO Kevin Maxwell, who was hired by Baker, to be fired. The PGCEA, which represents more than 9,000 teachers and other educators, took a vote of “no confidence” in the district’s top leaders in February.
Ex-Rep. Donna Edwards
“After years of scandals, questionable campaign contributions to peddle influence, and secret pay hikes for administrative staff while enduring miserly pay raises, our educators are ready for new leadership in Prince George’s County,” Edwards said. “So many teachers show up to work every single day, passionate about preparing our children to achieve their dreams. It’s time for someone to show up for them, like they show up for our children.”
SEIU targets Senate incumbents
Service Employees International Union Local 1199 rolled out dozens of endorsements on Monday – but said it is making ousting four Baltimore-area state senators its top priority of the election cycle.
The union is endorsing attorney Rob Johnson in Baltimore County’s 10th District, where he is challenging six-term Sen. Delores B. Kelley (D); Del. Antonio B. Hayes (D), who is challenging Sen. Barbara A. Robinson in Baltimore City’s 40th District; Del. Mary Washington, who is taking on Sen. Joan Carter Conway (D) in the city's 43rd District; union organizer Alethia McCaskill, who is challenging Sen. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam (D) in the city-county 44th District; and Del. Cory V. McCray, who is challenging Sen. Nathaniel J. McFadden in the city’s 45th District.
“We are endorsing a lot of fresh faces this election cycle in the hopes that new energy will fix what is broken in Annapolis,” said Pat Lippold, political director of 1199SEIU. “What's broken? It should not take five years to pass paid sick leave, and this year a popular bill to increase the minimum wage did not even receive a vote in committee. Our so-called representatives have lost touch with the interests of the common people and instead are acting like sheep falling in line behind their committee leaders’ views and business interests.”
For a full list of endorsements, click here
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