ALBANY, N.Y. August 9, 2006 — New York State United Teachers, the state’s largest union, today endorsed Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand’s bid for Congress, saying her candidacy offers a “fresh, clear alternative” to residents of the 20th Congressional District.

NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi said Gillibrand, an attorney and civic leader with deep roots in the Capital Region, “will bring accountability, trust and responsibility to the office.  Kirsten will fight for more education funding, affordable health care and a stronger local economy, and she will do it with class.”

NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan B. Lubin said the union has deep concerns about incumbent John Sweeney’s record and ability to represent the interests of Capital Region residents.  In fact, Lubin said NYSUT analyzed 12 key votes in Congress on issues important to 20th Congressional District residents, and found Sweeney voted the “wrong way” on nine of them.

“John Sweeney’s record in Congress has been abysmal.  He has lost his way,” Lubin said.  “Instead of standing up to the extremists in his party and fighting for the best interests of his constituents, Sweeney has been a ‘rubber stamp’ for the George Bush conservative agenda.  It’s clear that it’s time for a change.

NYSUT has more than 20,000 members in the greater Capital Region.

“This isn’t just about campaign contributions,” Lubin said.  “It’s about feet on the street.  NYSUT’s endorsement translates into thousands of volunteers.  It also translates into support from the largest union phone-bank operation in the state.  Our members work for — and vote for — candidates who support the issues they care about: quality public schools, colleges and hospitals and access to affordable health care for all New Yorkers.”