September 9, 2006                              

 

NEA-Alaska recommends 26 legislative candidates

Mixture of incumbents and challengers, Democrats and Republicans

 

            Legislative candidates from across the state have made the grade as education advocates and will receive a recommendation from NEA-Alaska.  The decisions resulted from spirited debate during a day-long meeting of the 54-member Political Action Committee on Education (PACE). 

            The recommendations culminate a rigorous process designed to foster involvement in political campaigns by NEA-Alaska’s 13,000-plus members.  NEA-Alaska’s PACE guidelines are intended to ensure an open, grass roots process that is driven by members who are constituents in the candidates’ election district.  It is deliberately balanced, non-partisan, and focused on kindergarten through high school (K-12) education issues. 

            Candidates seeking NEA-Alaska’s recommendation must demonstrate in writing that they have the support of at least 10 members who are constituents in their district.  These members sign a campaign engagement form and pledge to work on behalf of the candidate.  Campaign involvement can range from putting up a yard sign to get-out-the-vote (GOTV) phone calling to hosting a fundraiser.  The candidate must also respond to an education issues questionnaire and receive the nod from the local PACE.  They must also pass a test of electibility based on objective criteria such as polling data.

            “Our PACE committee found clear differences between the candidates in certain races around the state, and we have chosen the ones who are best for Alaska’s schools and children,” said NEA-Alaska President Bill Bjork.  “We look forward to offering them assistance in their races and urging Alaskans to vote for them.”