Teachers are frustrated because their average pay has dropped from 30th in the nation in 1992-93 to 41st. The WVEA dates its political ascendancy to its 1980 endorsement of Wise for the state Senate. Wise upset then-Senate President William Brotherton in the Kanawha County Democratic primary. Wise and Brotherton both credited the WVEA with Wise's victory. Wise also credits the WVEA with his victory in the 2000 governor's race.
Teachers are a big constituency.
Boards of education are the largest employers in 40 of the state's 55 counties, and rank no lower than fourth in any of the others, according to the state Bureau of Employment Programs. Teachers unions are active in legislative races, endorsing candidates, contributing to them and working hard for them, although Mike Withers of Common Cause says their success rate at electing endorsed candidates has been waning. This year, there are 21 current and former teachers in the Legislature. Unions have used their power to improve teachers' pay, benefits and training and have had a hand in dozens of education improvements, including an effort to reduce class sizes. Teachers unions will even be involved in the biggest legislative debate this year - whether to legalize and tax gambling on video poker machines.