College Democrats of Indiana University Endorse Justin Oakley for State Superintendent

Bloomington, IN – The College Democrats of Indiana University are proud to endorse Justin Oakley for state superintendent of public instruction. You can find Justin on the web at: www.oakley2012.org, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

“This is very unprecedented,” said Chris Babcock, President of the College Democrats at IU and delegate to the State Democratic Convention, “We do not usually endorse a candidate prior to their securing of the party’s nomination.”

Justin Oakley will be on the ballot at the Indiana Democratic State Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 15th – 17th. There, party delegates will decide who ultimately receives the party’s nomination for the general election.

“We felt that it was important to show our support for Justin at this critical time, voters need to have a real choice when it comes to education policy in Indiana,” Babcock said, “A continuation of the Tony Bennett agenda is not the route we should be taking.”

Justin Oakley, a teacher by profession, received his bachelors from Indiana University and has taught middle and high school students for almost a decade.

Oakley was inspired to run for superintendent after experiencing first hand the harmful effects of Republican education reforms in Indiana. He believes that politics and for-profit interests are playing too big of a role in education and are harming students.

“Justin’s enthusiasm is unmatched. He isn’t afraid to speak out about the injustice that’s occurred with education in Indiana, and he has been working very hard build a grassroots movement powered by teachers, parents, and administrators.”

With Justin Oakley’s crossover appeal on the ballot, the race for superintendent of public instruction could play a role in the gubernatorial race as well.

“My supporters will generally be more inclined to vote for a governor who includes teachers in the discussion.” Oakley said.

The Oakley campaign has been pleased with their level of fundraising, which was virtually nonexistent in past superintendent races.

“We think his success so far on the campaign trail speaks to his broad appeal to voters, he’s been pulling in people concerned about education from across the political spectrum.” Babcock said.

“At the end of the day, this is about what’s best for Hoosier children and young adults. As college students, we too have a vested interest in ensuring that education is protected in Indiana, and we believe that Justin Oakley is the best candidate to do so.”