Recently the two campaigns were asked to respond to the following question: In view of the fact that the federal government provides approximately 15% of the Idaho’s expenditure per child in our public schools and in view of the fact that our schools are under-performing, what do you believe should be done to improve our schools? Officials from the two candidates responded with the following statements:
Generally speaking, Ward said that whether it’s public school, private school, charter school, home school, or any other type of school, it is up to parents to decide how to best educate their children. While there does need to be minimum standards and performance evaluations, more education decisions need to be made at the state level, rather than the federal level, Ward said.
Labrador’s campaign chairman responded with the following statement: “Labrador supports the absolute right of parents to choose between public, private or home schooling. He will continue to fight for policies which make those choices more affordable and easier to exercise.”
Both of those positions are supportive of parents right to choose where and how their children are educated, and that’s great. But we believe that Labrador takes it a “step” further when he states, “I will fight for policies which make those choices more affordable and easier to exercise.” More importantly, Labrador has a record in the Idaho Legislature that shows his support for “Education Choice.” Ward has no record. For years, too many politicians have spoken warmly of the need for choice in education without voting for choice in education. We’re hopeful that’s not the case with Ward. But the fact that Labrador, through his voting record, already has proven his commitment to education choice, gives him an edge over Ward.
Therefore we would like to see Raul Labrador in the general election opposing the incumbent.
