PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Lest there be any doubt that union backing is still much-valued in the political sphere, Moderate Party candidate Ken Block on Thursday voiced dismay that he was not given a chance to compete for the backing of a major teachers' union that gave its endorsement a day earlier to former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee's bid for governor.

On Wednesday, the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals endorsed the Republican-turned-independent Chafee over a crowded field of competitors for the top state job. The otehr candidates include the only remaining Democrat in the race, state Treasurer Frank T. Caprio, Republican primary contenders Victor Moffitt and John Robitaille, and Block.

RIFTHP president Marcia Reback said Caprio did not ask to be interviewed.

Block issued a statement that said: "My wife is a teacher, my father is a lifelong professor, and I talk to teachers everyday about my plans for education reform in this state. I understand that teachers do not need to be micromanaged, and should instead be paid and treated as white-collar professionals. I believe that if given the chance, the members of the AFT [American Federation of Teachers] would have been receptive to my message.

"It's unfortunate that in this case, leadership chose to protect its political position and power rather than allow an open and free exchange of ideas and ultimately prevented its membership from making an informed decision,'' said Block, reiterating his campaign theme: "We need to stop reinforcing the status quo by blindly supporting recycled politicians.''

Reback responded: "We take electability into account as well as track record and ongoing relationship. We wish Mr. Block well but thought it would have been disingenuous to invite him to be interviewed when we knew that we wouldn't endorse him.''