UEA endorses Granato in U.S. Senate race

SALT LAKE CITY — Calling him a "strong advocate for public schools," the Utah Education Association on Monday endorsed Democrat Sam Granato in his campaign for U.S. Senate.

"In order to maintain public schools at a high quality, you need adequate funding," said Thomas Nedreberg, association vice president. "Sam is that man that can do that."

Nedreberg said there are several upcoming issues in which education in Utah would benefit from Granato's service in the Senate. Chief among those is the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, under which federal money is sent to states to pay for teacher development, instructional materials, educational resources and promotion of parental involvement.

"When we invest in schools, we invest in our future and in our economy," Nedreberg said. "Sam Granato will make that investment. He's ready to take the steps necessary to lay the groundwork for Utah's future successes and prosperity."

Standing outside the now-closed Granite High School, Granato criticized elected officials for responding to budget difficulties by cutting funding for education.

"We should be giving our teachers and students every resource and opportunity to excel," he said. "That can't happen when our elected officials aren't providing them with adequate funding."

Granato is running against Republican Mike Lee for the seat being vacated by Sen. Bob Bennett, who was ousted in the state GOP convention.

— Jared Page