Vital statistics

• Created in 1998 merger of Minnesota Education Association (founded 1861) and Minnesota Federation of Teachers (founded 1936). The statewide union has 70,000 members in more than 415 local affiliates and 340 school districts. K-12 teachers make up 78 percent of the union. Other members: school support staff, higher education faculty, private-school teachers and juvenile-corrections staff.

Tools of persuasion

• In every two-year election cycle, Education Minnesota's PAC spends about $1.4 million to get favorite candidates elected and to influence levy referendums.

• From 1995 to 2001, the union racked up $1.39 million in lobbying expenses to bend ears and communicate with members. That amount was behind only the Minnesota Twins and Xcel Energy.

• Interest income from a $10 million "crisis fund" to promote itself and its causes on TV and radio. In January 2002, there was a $728,718 image campaign to increase support of public education. In 2001, $550,000 went toward a "full education funding" ad series.

• Education Minnesota is affiliated with two national teachers unions: the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. In 2000 and 2001, Education Minnesota members individually donated a total of $185,328 to the PACs of the two national organizations.

• The State Fair booth for Education Minnesota is a platform for union-endorsed politicians and an important promotional tool for the union. Running the booth costs about $31,500 a year.

Wins

• The union's top priority for the 2002 legislative session was to get state funding for a study that could lead to a statewide health insurance plan for all school employees. Gov. Jesse Ventura vetoed the $1.3 million appropriation, but legislators overrode the veto.

• Education Minnesota supported creation of a state grant program for best teaching practices. Subsequently, the union won grants of $800,000 in 2000 and $750,000 in 2001. It distributes the grant money to its members.

• Blocked Republicans in 2000 who proposed a school curriculum mandate known as North Star Standards.

Losses

• Losing streak on gubernatorial endorsements: John Marty in 1994, Hubert Humphrey III in 1998 and Judi Dutcher (for DFL endorsement) in 2002. Union's money now rides on Roger Moe.

• Gov. Arne Carlson passed education tax credits for some children to attend private schools. Union has blocked all-out school voucher program.