Silicon Valley candidate says powerful state union pressured her to quit - San Jose Spotlight

I got several phone calls from them telling me, 'Just drop out of the race - we'll help you next time.' One of the CTA staff called me and said, 'If you drop out of the race we'll find you another seat to run in,' Lutes told San José Spotlight. 'I'm not interested in holding just any office. I wanted to be on the county school board for a reason.'

I had never said that at all. I asked what her plan to win was. I told her that I know Don and I also know who's supporting Don. I told her I didn't think she was a viable candidate. I did have a conversation with Jyl and gave her the lay of the land and what I knew of the race.

In emails between the union and Lutes reviewed by San José Spotlight, a union representative said Lutes' May 20 request for an interview for the endorsement came too late, as they had already picked Rocha. The emails show the union first contacted her about a possible endorsement on May 16.

Lutes, who taught public school for 25 years and was a dues-paying union member, said the CTA wouldn't even give her an interview for a potential endorsement.

Read at San Jose Spotlight