The National Association of Social Workers is defending the value of its endorsement.

The group's director of advocacy and legislation, Jack Register, wrote that UNC-Charlotte Professor Ted Arrington was wrong to say the group has no political clout.

"I see our association as a powerful voice for N.C. social workers," he writes.

However, he says Arrington was correct that its members do not always vote for the candidates it has endorsed, which in this case was Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue.

"I see this as a strength," he wrote Dome. "Our association is made up of 4,000 social workers. The diversity of opinions of our members continues to influence our policy positions so that we are truly representative."

Register says that approximately 83 percent of members are women and at least three-fourths have a master's in social work or higher.

The political action committee for the state’s chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has endorsed Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue for governor.

The endorsement was based on voting history, legislative agendas, candidate platforms and philosophies, according to a news release from the organization.

The announcement comes shortly after Perdue’s Democratic rival, State Treasurer Richard Moore, touted his own endorsement.

All this endorsing happens the day before the Democrats are set for a Tuesday morning debate in Greensboro.