State Journal

A mock election in Alabama's public schools has some state officials crying dirty politics, and at least three Republicans are calling for a probe of political bias in the children's polling.

Rep. Perry Hooper Jr., a Republican from Montgomery, called a news conference early this month after hearing complaints about the information students were given to help them pick a presidential favorite in the statewide mock vote. The critics charge that handouts presented GOP candidate Bob Dole unfavorably compared with President Clinton, who won the mock election.

In one case, a handout comparing the candidates for high school students in Autauga County said Mr. Clinton cut the deficit, created jobs, and cut big government, while Mr. Dole "talks about it." One phonics worksheet for 1st graders in Montgomery asked if former President Ronald Reagan was a "liar" or "incompetent" in not meeting campaign promises to balance the federal budget. The passage praised President Clinton...