Citing his strong family values, support for public education and inspiring life story, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Executive Board has endorsed State Rep. John Bel Edwards for governor. From left in the photo are LFT President Steve Monaghan and Executive Board Members Cathy Johnson (Jefferson Federation), Larry Carter (United Teachers of New Orleans), Leona Venson (Rapides Federation), Mike Myers (Red River United), Meladie Munch (Jefferson Federation), Joe Potts (Jefferson Federation Emeritus), Sandie Lollie (Monroe Federation), Carnell Washington (East Baton Rouge Federation), Donna Edwards and John Bel Edwards.
LFT President Steve Monaghan says, "He’s the real deal, and he will make a great governor.”
(Baton Rouge – March 11, 2015) Citing his longstanding support for public education, his family values and his inspiring life story, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers today announced that it is supporting State Rep. John Bel Edwards for governor.
LFT President Steve Monaghan said the union’s executive board was polled immediately after Rep. Edwards won the endorsement of the Louisiana AFL-CIO on Tuesday. The Federation’s governing body enthusiastically embraced his candidacy, Monaghan said.
“John Bel Edwards has dedicated his adult life to the service of his country and his state,” said Monaghan. “He is the right man at the right time to lead Louisiana to a brighter future for us and for our children.”
Monaghan said that Rep Edwards earned the Federation’s full support based upon his stellar record of fighting for public education and working families during his seven years of legislative service.
“On issue after issue, John Bel Edwards stood up for children, teachers and our public schools,” Monaghan said. “Representative Edwards has the vision, energy, ability and determination it takes to move Louisiana forward.”
From our state’s fiscal crisis to the decline of higher education to the calamitous rollout of Common Core standards, Monaghan said, Edwards has been a voice of reason standing against those who have led the state to the brink of disaster.
“When Gov. Jindal and his allies demonized our teachers and attacked public education with the ill-conceived, unconstitutional schemes of 2012, Rep. Edwards was one of the heroes who actually read the legislation, did his own homework, and stood tall in defense of our constitution, our kids, teachers, and communities,” Monaghan said. “Representative Edwards never flinched. He stood his ground, and he has been proven right.”
Monaghan said that Rep. Edwards’ life story should make him appealing to Louisianans.
“He’s a graduate of West Point and a veteran Army Ranger company commander,” Monaghan said. “A loyal family man married to his high school sweetheart, who is a Tangipahoa Parish school teacher. Rep. Edwards is an avid sportsman and a pillar of his church. He’s the real deal, and he will make a great governor.”