PROCEDURE FOR ENDORSING 1976 U. S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

WHEREAS, the actions and inactions of the federal government have increasingly significant importance to teachers and education; and

WHEREAS, increased federal funding is an absolute necessity for the survival of our education system; and

WHEREAS, our ability to function as professionals and our basic trade union rights are increasingly deter- mined by the Executive Branch and the U.S. Supreme Court whose members are appointed by the President with the confirmation of the U.S. Senate; and

WHEREAS, the health of our system of state and local government depends on the Federal Government which has the most resources bearing an increased share of the costs of all government:

RESOLVED, that the AFT shall establish a procedure for the endorsement of a candidate for President of the United States; and

RESOLVED, that the following procedure be established by these guidelines:

• The AFT will endorse a candidate for President of the United States upon a favorable roll call convention vote of at least 60 percent.

• The roll call will be conducted on separate ballots during the time allotted for the election of AFT officers.

• Notwithstanding a favorable roll call vote of 60 percent, a majority vote at the convention may submit the endorsement to a poll of the membership if the delegates feel that it is necessary. A favorable majority vote of those responding to the poll shall be required for an endorsement.