George Parker's five-year run as Washington Teachers' Union president is at risk, based on the preliminary count in a WTU presidential race with a stunningly low turnout. Nathan Saunders, the union's general vice president, edged Parker 334 to 313, forcing a runoff between the two former running mates turned bitter foes. Rules require that the winner get a 51 percent majority. Phelps High School teacher and veteran union activist Elizabeth Davis received 196 votes, and H.D. Cooke teacher Christopher Bergfalk got 38 votes.
All three challengers have been critical of Parker's leadership during the chancellorship of Michelle A. Rhee, and contend that he gave too much ground in negotiations for the contract that was signed and approved by teachers this past summer.
What will Randi Weingarten do? If Nathan and Candi win and she loses another city to her critics the next AFT convention in Detroit in 2012 will turn interesting, though with the NYC Unity machine, no worries. However, her prestige would take a major hit. So look for all stops to be pulled out supporting the hapless Parker. Randi might have to personally go to every DC teacher home to lobby. Follow the drama on Candi's and Bill Turque's blogs.
