A J Duffy

A.J. Duffy won a second term Thursday as president of United Teachers Los Angeles, the city's powerful teachers union. The 64-year-old special education teacher won 58.7% of the vote, and will avoid a runoff. "That's big," Duffy said. "That's an affirmation by the membership that voted. Despite the missteps I might have taken, they acknowledged that I've done a good job. And they acknowledged I've always been there for members."

A.J. Duffy circled the desks of Room 192 at Palms Middle School with the careful grace of a street fighter, albeit a somewhat portly one. He danced from side to side, kicking his legs out slightly as he walked. As usual, Duffy was dressed to the nines. A long-sleeved, black-collared shirt was buttoned to the top. Flashy, black-and-white, tasseled patent-leather loafers peeked out from under charcoal pants.