UFT to Thompson: ‘You’re Our Guy!’ (We Think…)

The United Federation of Teachers is expected to endorse Bill Thompson for mayor today, though some sources say Bill de Blasio still has a shot, writes the New York Post. 

The powerful teachers union will hold its endorsement meeting this afternoon. And although union sources say it plans to spare no expense at trying to get Thompson elected, members are still indicating a possible move toward de Blasio.

A Bloomberg aid said the only reason the union is considering Thompson is because it wants to be able to run the school system again, as it was able to do so when Thompson was president of the old Board of Education:

“The result: mismanagement, corruption and violence in the classroom,” Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson told The Post. “The question is: Why would New Yorkers want that?”

John Collins, a spokesman for Thompson, fired back and pointed to news of the recent decline in graduation rates and the huge achievement gap under the current mayor’s policies: 

“Both demonstrate, the mayor’s strategy of pitting people against each other hasn’t worked for students,” said Collins. “Thompson will work with teachers, principals and parents with one goal in mind — preparing our students for success in college and careers.”