School finance failures take toll on incumbents

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Wed, Mar. 08, 2006
School finance failures take toll on incumbents
APRIL CASTRO and JIM VERTUNO
Associated Press

AUSTIN - Following their inability to solve the state's school funding crisis, several Republican legislators found themselves fighting to stay in office.

By the end of Tuesday's primary elections at least four of them - including chairman of the House Public Education Committee Kent Grusendorf - had been ousted by voters who favored pro-public school candidates.

"Education is one of the most important things in their minds, and solving school funding is extremely important," said Diane Patrick, a college professor and former state Board of Education member who defeated Grusendorf. "They're ready to see something happen, and they viewed my candidacy as an opportunity for that to come about."

Grusendorf, a 19-year House veteran from Arlington, was among several lawmakers targeted by discontented teachers and school groups because they favored legislation unpopular with educators. He lost despite the support of Gov. Rick Perry and other top Republicans.
(snip/...)

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/politics/14042123.htm

[wakeme2008]

1. Another state for this Florida boy to sit back and

:popcorn: :)

[annabanana]

2. this is the best evidence yet

that people are waking up and beginning to look around at what the anti-government crowd hath wrought.

[salin]

3. interesting...

is there going to be a backlash within the repub party in texas against the radical right? Seems that just two or three years ago, some gop party leaders in texas were quoted pushing for purging the party of office holders/candidates who did not have the same (extreme right) view point... wonder if some of the ousted come from this camp.

[rodeodance]

4. "ousted by voters who favored pro-public school candidates"

[acmejack]

5. The educators and moderates took advantage of the light turnout

In the primaries and got rid of the reactionaries and moved their party back to the center (somewhat). Grusendorf was a boil on the body politic in this State. He will not be missed, of more immediate concern is the seats on the State board of education the fundies targeted, I don't know yet what happened there. I will check as I drink this coffee.