Education Minnesota backs Kelliher for governor

Minnesota's largest teacher's union has endorsed Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher for governor.

Education Minnesota endorsed Kelliher Saturday after a yearlong search process. Union officials say the candidate shares the union's committment to maintaining high standards for public school teachers and students.

Education Minnesota represents 70,000 teaching professionals across the state. Union President Tom Dooher says the endorsement is valuable in this election race.

"We are the largest labor union in the state of Minnesota and we have a proven track record of being able to help candidates be successful," he said.

Dooher said Saturday the union is awaiting details of a Senate plan that would help close the state's nearly 3 million dollar budget gap. The bulk of the proposal relies on deferred payments to schools. A vote by the full Senate is expected on Monday.