UEA endorses Matheson for U.S. House seat

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Education Association has endorsed Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, in his bid for re-election.

Matheson is running in a Democratic primary election against challenger Claudia Wright on June 22.

"Congressman Matheson has been a real friend of public education throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives," said UEA President Kim Campbell, in a news release. "From standing up against private school vouchers to helping save teachers' jobs during the current recession, he has been a champion for Utah teachers, parents and schoolchildren. We are proud to endorse his re-election effort."

Campbell said Matheson's support for federal recovery legislation directly saved nearly 2,000 education positions in Utah.

Campbell touted Matheson's support for local control of schools and curriculum.

The UEA represents more than 18,000 educators in all 41 Utah school districts.

— Joseph M. Dougherty