Education group endorses Smith in DA race

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Democrat Dee Smith picked up the endorsement of the Utah Education Association Tuesday in his bid to become Utah's next attorney general.

"A quality education is one of the most important things we can give our children," Smith said in a statement. "I am honored and humbled that Utah's teachers have put their trust in me to protect education for our children."

Smith, who is challenging Republican John Swallow for the attorney general's office, is the Weber County district attorney. Both are seeking to replace Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, who chose not to run again after serving 12 years as the state's top lawyer.

Swallow has easily outraised Smith in the race, however. Swallow, the chief deputy attorney general, has amassed more than $1.2 million - including a $250,000 donation from a Super PAC with ties to Wynn Resorts and Karl Rove. Smith has raised a little more than $47,000.

Swallow touts endorsements of about 50 state lawmakers on his website as well as those of 14 attorneys general in other states.

The UEA represents about 18,000 teachers, administrators and retired educators throughout Utah.

dmontero@sltrib.com

Twitter: @davemontero