NEA endorses Obama's re-election bid

CHICAGO, July 5 (UPI) -- The National Education Association endorsed President Barack Obama for re-election, with leaders saying Obama shares the union's vision for a strong America.

"President Barack Obama shares our vision for a stronger America," NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, said. "He has never wavered from talking about the importance of education or his dedication to a vibrant middle class."

During NEA's annual meeting and representative assembly in Chicago that ended Tuesday, delegates voted on a recommendation from NEA's political action arm to support Obama, Politico reported.

"The last two years of state legislatures and the mid-term elections were eye-opening, demonstrating what can happen when education legislation and decisions are left in the hands of politicians who do not support public schools," Van Roekel said. "We as a nation have to get our priorities right. We cannot sacrifice our students' futures by shortchanging them now."