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Clinton Lays Out Education Platform At AFT Conference

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Here in the Twin Cities, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign focused on education.

"When I'm President, you will have a partner in the White House and you will always have a seat at the table," said Clinton.

On Monday evening, Clinton spoke to members of the American Federation of Teachers at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

It was the first national union to endorse her for president.

More than 3,000 educators from across the country are showing their support for both public schools and Clinton.

"We don't need testing, we need somebody that's going to get us going," said Minneapolis school teacher Tim Leach.

Joined by senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, Clinton talked about her TLC of education -- teaching, learning and community.

"I am committed to making sure every child in this country receives a world-class education, with good schools and good teachers -- no matter what zip code they live in," said Clinton.

But Clinton also addressed the news that's impacted the state and country in recent weeks.

When she brought up Philando Castille's name, protesters began to chant but were quickly drowned out by Clinton supporters.

Before ending her speech Clinton took shots at Donald Trump and his running mate Mike Pence. She called Pence a hostile politician when it comes to education.

"Because we are going to make sure we don't turn our country over to Donald Trump. Let's go win in November," said Clinton before leaving stage.

But Keith Downey, chairman of the Republican party in Minnesota, believes Clinton's support in the state only goes so far.

"I think the fact that Hillary Clinton is already advertising and making what, her third visit is probably a good sign that she's seeing things that she is going to have to work really hard in Minnesota," said Downey.

Clinton also talked about defending unions, and providing free tuition at public colleges and universities for students whose families make less than $125,000 a year.

She pleaded with educators in attendance to educate for the future, not for the past.

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