Teachers union endorses Hanabusa

[ccharles000]

Despite a history of not always being in agreement with each other, the union representing 13,500 public school teachers has backed state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa in the special election for Congress.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association chose Hanabusa over former congressman and fellow Democrat Ed Case, the only other candidate who interviewed for the endorsement. Republican Charles Djou declined to interview with the union, which has traditionally supported Democrats. They are seeking the seat formerly held by Neil Abercrombie, who resigned to run for governor.

Union President Wil Okabe praised Hanabusa's collaborative style.

"We believe that Colleen has always had an open-door policy," Okabe said. "There are differences in some of her views, but we feel that she's able to listen."

Hanabusa thanked the union and pledged to remain open to their ideas, particularly as the two differ over President Barack Obama's recently announced blueprint for reforming public education.

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