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Teachers’ union endorses Bill Thompson in mayoral race – Metro US

Teachers’ union endorses Bill Thompson in mayoral race

NEW YORK - APRIL 13:  Bill Thompson, former New York City Comptroller attends the Miracle Corners of the World Annual Gala dinner celebration at the NYU Africa House - Kimmel Center on April 13, 2010 in New York City.  (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images) (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

The United Federation of Teachers voted Wednesday to endorse former Comptroller Bill Thompson in this year’s mayoral race.

Thompson, who is a product of the city’s schools and whose mother was a teacher, said at a press conference on Wednesday: “You teachers and those who were there before you helped to shape my life … and when I am mayor, I am going to work day and night to help working New Yorkers like my mom and all of you.”

UFT President Michael Mulgrew said Mayor Michael Bloomberg has “damaged” the city’s school system over the past 12 years and the city needs a new mayor who can repair it.

Thompson vowed to do just that.

“You can’t care about education and demonize teachers,” he said. “You can’t care about our schools and shut them down. That is a dangerous game I will never play in this city ever.”

The endorsement comes after months of internal discussions at the union.

The UFT, however, has not backed a winning candidate since 1989.