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Spitzer to NYSUT: thanks, but no thanks

After revelations of alleged NYSUT kickbacks from investment companies and subsequent calls for investigation, New York Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer is distancing himself from the teachers’ union:

State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer canceled his speech to the state’s largest teachers’ union that endorsed his campaign for governor because he is investigating its leadership, according to a published report.

Spitzer wouldn’t accept the endorsement of New York State United Teachers union in Rochester on Friday, although the union issued a press release Friday endorsing Spitzer’s Democratic run for governor.

NYSUT representatives could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Spitzer is investigating the union’s practice of accepting cash from an investment company that is then allowed to try to sell retirement plans to union members. The New York Post on Saturday was the first to report Spitzer’s refusal to speak to the union.

A Spitzer spokesman didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Given the unions’ clout, especially in New York, could this play a role in that state’s gubernatorial elections this November?