The state's largest teachers union is backing the Democratic challenger in the attorney general's race because, its leaders say, he's a better advocate for children.

Utah Education Association President Pat Rusk also says her group and candidate Greg Skordas, a Children's Justice Center board member, agree guns don't belong in schools. He also supports labor unions, she said Wednesday.

But Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's camp is crying foul. Campaign manager Ally Isom says the UEA never even interviewed the incumbent.

"We're disappointed . . . they failed to consider what (Shurtleff has) done for public education and Utah's children," including the nationally recognized Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.