Is backing by UEA the kiss of death?

The state's largest teachers union is poised to choose which candidates will receive its stamp of approval.

The Utah Education Association hopes its endorsements will be a compass for teachers, moms and dads to navigate November's election ballot.

But some moderates say it can be like sporting a bull's-eye at target practice for GOP conservatives.

"In Republican primaries, some candidates are really apprehensive about taking the UEA endorsement" because the union is perceived as "a very moderate, Democrat, (even) liberal organization," one legislator said on condition of anonymity.

But the 18,000-member teachers union says that doesn't mean it's becoming a political liability.

"We're going to support candidates based on their stand on education," UEA President Pat Rusk said. "We have had Republican candidates who . . . say, 'We . . . want your endorsement,' but they choose not to take funding from the UEA because they fear there will be repercussions. That's their choice."

The UEA interviews candidates and offers recommendations for governor, attorney general and Congress, said Vik Arnold, director of government relations and political action. Local chapters forward recommendations for legislative races to state union leaders.

The UEA's PAC gives recommended candidates lines of credit starting at $500, Arnold said. Candidates can receive reimbursement for brochures, mailings and other expenses.

Two years ago, the UEA PAC spent $415,500 on political activities. At the beginning of this year, it reported having more than $500,000, state elections office documents show.

But money is just part of UEA's support system.

"I think UEA support brings bodies. They get a lot of people out to help you," former legislator Afton Bradshaw said. "I (was) happy to have the support of the teachers, always."

So far, the UEA has recommended 10 candidates: eight Republicans and two Democrats, Arnold said.

But some Republican legislators cast doubt on whether that trend will continue.

In 2002, the UEA recommended about 20 Republicans and 30 Democrats, Arnold said. Six or seven Republicans did not use the UEA's line of credit.

That can make it look like the union doesn't support many Republicans, which some say hurts union relations with the overwhelmingly Republican Legislature. But it doesn't necessarily mean candidates are ducking union endorsement, union leaders and candidates say.

"I would say they represent a large percentage of teachers in the state of Utah," said Rep. Dave Hogue, R-Riverton, and a UEA-backed candidate. "As long as (they do), I'm going to listen to them."