On Monday, the New Jersey chapter of the American Federation of Teachers voted to endorse Ed Potosnak, Democratic Candidate for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Potosnak, a high school chemistry teacher who taught in Bridgewater and a part time lecturer at Rutgers University for over a decade, has made improving education a centerpiece of his campaign. Potosnak has advocated for increased federal and state commitment to public schools. Potosnak’s opponent, Congressman Lance, voted against the Education, Jobs, and Medicaid Assistance Act, which paid down the deficit while providing $268 million to New Jersey schools to retain or rehire 4,000 New Jersey teachers, as well as hiring more nurses, firefighters and police officers.
“On behalf of 30,000 teachers, professors, and education workers, the American Federation of Teachers (AFTNJ) is proud to endorse Ed Potosnak for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Ed knows that New Jersey families and businesses value education,” said AFTNJ President William Lipkin. “Ed is committed to ensuring that our children continue to have access to a high quality education that will prepare them to enter college or the workplace. When Ed Potosnak goes to Congress, parents, teachers, and families in the district will have a representative who will fight to make sure that New Jersey public schools, colleges, and universities continue to be the best in the nation.”
“Our future is in our classrooms. New Jersey’s 7th district needs a representative who values the excellent schools we have here,” said Potosnak. “My opponent’s voting record in Congress, particularly his vote against the Education Jobs Bill, clearly shows a lack of support for our schools, our students, our teachers, and our future. I’m pleased that the American Federation of Teachers recognized my commitment to education with their endorsement. The AFT has made it clear that I am the best representative for New Jersey families.”