NYSUT Gives Deferred Nod To Spitzer

By HOWARD MEGDAL

The delayed but expected gubernatorial endorsement of State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer by the New York State United Teachers took place last week.

NYSUT had been set to endorse Mr. Spitzer in May, but he postponed accepting the honor after it came to light that his office was investigating the union for promoting an inferior deferred compensation plan to members while receiving millions of dollars in payments from the firm offering the plan. The AG's office has since reached a settlement of the matter with NYSUT.

"Eliot Spitzer has a vision for our state, and he has the passion, energy and intellect to make that vision a reality," NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi said in an Aug. 9 statement.

The union also endorsed State Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi for re-election.