Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie has told the 200,000-member New Jersey Education Association that he is not interested in seeking its endorsement.
In a letter to NJEA President Joyce Powell, Christie refused an invitation to participate in NJEA’s gubernatorial candidate endorsement screening process this weekend. Powell expressed her disappointment in Christie’s unwillingness to participate in a constructive dialogue about educational issues in New Jersey.
In a statement, Powell said: “It is unfortunate that Mr. Christie is unwilling to take the time to have an honest discussion about educational issues with the organization that represents the overwhelming majority of the state’s educators. It is also unfortunate that the Republican standard-bearer has chosen to break his party’s long-standing tradition of candid discussion and direct communication with NJEA.”
NJEA represents more than 200,000 teachers, education support professionals, higher education staff, and retired educators in New Jersey.