COUNTYWIDE : Teachers Union Endorses Takasugi
The powerful California Teachers Assn. announced its endorsement last week of Republican Nao Takasugi in his race for the 37th Assembly District seat against schoolteacher Roz McGrath.
Union leaders chose Takasugi, the mayor of Oxnard, even though Democrat McGrath is an educator because Taka sugi is more likely to win in the heavily Republican district, said John O’Looney, a union spokesman.
Forty-seven percent of registered voters in the district are Republicans, compared to 41% Democrats. The district covers Port Hueneme, Oxnard, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Moorpark.
The heavy Republican tilt, combined with Takasugi’s political experience and name recognition, make him the favorite, O’Looney said.
“They both are excellent candidates, but what it came down to is viability,” he said.
Takasugi has promised to increase local control of school programs and curriculum, an issue dear to teachers, O’Looney said.
“He is a moderate, and his education views are very good,” he said.
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