Strong Platforms Help State Schools Chief Winners

By Joetta L. Sack

The seven state schools chiefs elected last week make for a diverse group of officials who will guide local education policies, including the crucial requirements of the federal "No Child Left Behind" Act of 2001, for the next four years.

Georgia, which was at the forefront of a national gust of support for Republicans, continued the trend in the race for state superintendent of schools: Kathy Cox, a GOP legislator and teacher, overcame a strong opponent in Democrat Barbara Christmas, a teacher who heads the nonunion Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

Arizona businessman Tom Horne, who spent more than $1 million to beat incumbent Jaime A. Molera in the GOP primary, narrowly defeated his Democratic...