Reform candidate closes gap in race to be California schools chief

[Le Taz Hot]

A former charter school executive aiming to unseat California’s education chief has closed the gap in a race shaping up to be a proxy war between school reform advocates and the state’s powerful teachers unions, a new poll shows.

The poll released Tuesday by the San Francisco-based Field Research Corp. showed Marshall Tuck, who has the backing of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and funding from billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad, three points ahead of incumbent Tom Torlakson.

Among likely voters polled by the organization, Tuck had support from 31 percent, compared to 28 percent who favored Torlakson as the campaign begins in earnest prior to November’s election.

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http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/09/09/reform-candidate-closes-gap-in-race-to-be-california-schools-chief/

[KamaAina]

1. Eeeurghh. Marshall Tuck should go back to touring state fairs and the like.

But seriously, folks, this could be the end of public education in California. Bear in mind that the Devil incarnate, Michelle Rhee, is married to the mayor of Sac.

[NYC_SKP]

2. Interesting. I really like Tom Torlakson.

I've met him several times and spoken about career technical education and school reform.

He was in the merchant marines before becoming a science teacher, and I really think he understands that schools have to connect more with the outside world, the working world, and prepare kids for work and not just college.

I don't know much about Tuck.

[msongs]

3. "reform advocates" = corporate hijack of schools, profits not education nt

[antiquie]

4. He wants to teach California's kids not to think.

[LoisB]

5. I wouldn't vote for anyone who gets funding from Eli Broad.

[Starry Messenger]

6. Tuck is Wall Street's candidate.

This is going to be a tough fight.