With the presidential campaign in full swing, school-group lobbyists
and other education observers in Washington are speculating on the
likely candidates for secretary of education in a Bush or Gore
administration. Here is a roundup of some of the most frequently
mentioned names. (For biographies,
click on the potential candidate's name. You will leave Education
Week's site.)
DEMOCRATS
REPUBLICANS
North Carolina Gov. James B.
Hunt Jr—During his four nonconsecutive terms as
governor, he has backed efforts to raise teacher salaries while
increasing standards, and supported an extensive early-childhood
program. He helped found and chaired the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards.
Houston
Superintendent
Rod Paige—The superintendent of the nation's
seventh-largest school district is also an education adviser to
Gov. Bush. Mr. Paige, a leader in urban education, could become the
first African-American secretary of education.
Delaware Gov. Thomas R.
Carper—If he loses his bid for the U.S. Senate next
month, this Cabinet seat could be his consolation prize. In two
terms as governor, he has championed education
accountability.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom
Ridge—Gov. Ridge is seen as having views on education
reform similar to those of Mr. Bush. The Pennsylvania governor has
focused on accountability and improving failing schools during his
six years in that office.
White House Domestic-Policy
Adviser Bruce Reed—Mr. Reed has worked on education
policy, among other issues, for eight years in the Clinton
administration, and is now working with Vice President Gore's
presidential campaign.
Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G.
Thompson—The four-term governor also shares many of
Gov. Bush's views on education. He is best-known nationally for the
state-enacted school voucher program in Milwaukee and for
Wisconsin's welfare-reform initiatives.
Vol. 20, Issue 5, Page 25
Published in Print: October 4, 2000, as Contenders for Education Secretary?
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