Advice From Bennett and Alexander: Consolidate

The House Republican leadership has turned to two former secretaries of education for advice.

Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., who is likely to become the next Speaker of the House, has asked Empower America, which is headed by Lamar Alexander and William J. Bennett, to help draft education legislation, according to an official of the group. Mr. Gingrich sits on the board of directors of Empower America, a Washington-based conservative organization that promotes "new approaches" to such issues as education, crime, and health care.

"It's very preliminary, but I can say we all like the idea of giving states more autonomy and getting rid of regulations," said the official, who asked...