Moderation Seen Education Message in Races for Governor

By Lonnie Harp

In an election year lacking overriding education messages, state races last week seemed to carry only the cautionary note that Republicans who boast about being conservative don't wind up giving victory speeches.

In races for open governors' seats, voters in New Hampshire and Washington state shied away from Republican contenders who flashed conservative credentials and promised to give school vouchers a try.

"After all the public school bashing, people wanted somebody who could have a rational conversation with everyone in the state who wants to improve the schools," Fred Place, the president of the National...