But the AFT is within its rights to endorse candidates and support their campaigns, said Rick Muir, the union’s president.

“Tim interviewed with us and wanted that endorsement and wanted those campaign funds,” Muir said. “Tim sincerely cares about education, but to take that position — and I know he’s not the one — it’s like what are they going to run on? I’d rather they run on what they’re going to do for education.”