DeKALB | The Illinois Education Association took an unprecedented political step in not endorsing a candidate in the race for governor.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever taken that position,” said Charles McBarron, director of communications for the IEA.

Plans from both Democrat Rod Blagojevich and Republican Judy Baar Topinka did not satisfy the IEA, McBarron said.

“Very simply, we looked at the education funding plan for each candidate, and neither one, in our view, would provide adequate funding, predictable and sustainable through the years ahead,” said Ken Swanson, president of the IEA.

Blagojevich’s plan to privatize the Illinois lottery would only provide “one-time money,” Swanson said. Topinka’s plan is contingent upon a casino in Chicago, which has mixed reviews. Swanson sees no guarantee in her plan.

Though Green Party candidate Rich Whitney’s plans are more viable, Swanson said, a candidate’s electability must be taken into account when giving endorsements.

“His plan is essentially what we’ve been talking about,” McBarron said, but low numbers in the polls prevented Whitney from being an endorsed candidate.

“We understand where the IEA is coming from,” said Whitney campaign spokesperson Jennifer Rose. “Other candidates didn’t present any other feasible solution.”

Relief for taxpayers was part of what the IEA had in mind for an education plan.

“We think we have to look at some income tax and sales tax, or whatever mix of taxation that is fair to taxpayers,” Swanson said. “There needs to be property tax relief. We’re over reliant on that source.”

The candidates are positive about other endorsements received.

“Our campaign has continued to receive support from teachers across the state,” said Topinka campaign spokesperson John McGovern. “Obviously this is a big blow to Rod Blagojevich considering [the IEA] was a big supporter of his four years ago.”

Blagojevich was endorsed by other educational groups, including “the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Chicago Teachers Union, the West Suburban Teachers Union and the Cook County College Teachers Union,” said Blagojevich spokesperson Sheila Nix in a statement.

Whitney was endorsed by the State Social News Service and the Rockford Register Star, “due in large part to our education policy,” Rose said.