The Maine Education Association today endorsed Democrat Chellie Pingree in the election for the 1st Congressional District.

The association, an umbrella organization for local unions that represent some 25,000 Maine public school teachers, said Pingree has a record of support for increased public education funding and other issues important to association members.

Pingree, a former Maine state senator and national director of Common Cause, is running against Republican Charlie Summers for the seat presently held by Tom Allen.

MEA President Chris Galgay said Pingree expressed support for programs that enhance family and community involvement with schools; increase flexibility in measures of student achievement; and improve retirement benefits for educators.

"It is time to put the decison-making about public education back where it belongs," Galgay said in a written statement, "and Chellie Pingree understands that the best decisions are made by educators who are in our classrooms."