Republican Establishment Backs McLeroy Challenger
State Board of Education races aren't normally known for drawing a spotlight, but candidate Thomas Ratliff is doing his best to raise the profile of his primary race against former SBOE chair Don McLeroy. Next week the lobbyist-turned-candidate will hold a fundraiser at the Austin Club and the Republican establishment is coming out in support. It could spell a shift for McLeroy, an incumbent Republican who Perry once appointed chair of the board.
The event's host committee (see attached) is a who's-who of paid conservative lobbyists.There's Mike Toomey, who served as chief-of-staff to Governor Rick ...
Comments (3)
tratliff
I am flattered by the support of my friends and colleagues, not to mention the three former members of the State Board of Education. I hope to earn and maintain their trust during the campaign and hopefully as a member of the SBOE.
One interesting thing to note about Mr. Mercer's position that lobbyists shouldn't run for office. I would like to point to the career of Governor Haley Barbour. As a reminder, he established his law/lobby firm in 1991. He served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1993-1997, when the Republicans gained control of the U.S. House and Senate. He has been twice elected Governor by the people of Mississippi and he is currently serving as the leader of the Republican Governor's Association after being elected by his peers.
I don't think a person's profession should be an issue, it is how they conduct themselves as person, a professional, a candidate and an elected official that is important.
Thanks Abby for continuing to cover this election.
ttuggey
Our constitution guarantees citizens the right to petition their government by any lawful means. But my opponent, the incumbent in the Republican primary for the SBOE 5th District, has attempted to cast a shadow on my candidacy because I have, from time to time, represented clients before the legislature and in courts of law.
My opponent attempts to paint with a broad brush, without regard to the merits of issues or related ethics. His approach is extremely disingenuous.
To be sure, some who wear the mantle of lawyer, lobbyist or advocate may do so without regard to merit or ethics. As well, some elected officials may make decisions and cast their votes without regard to merit or ethics. They are birds of a feather who often flock together.
My opponent’s SBOE record suggests that he may have flown a time or two with this discredited flock. He voted in July 2009 to spend almost $1 million more of our children’s textbook money on the lowest qualified investment bankers for our Permanent School Fund. He has not explained this vote, and so we are left to speculate on what deal was cut here to win just 8 of 15 SBOE votes on such a critical (and unwise) decision.
My record suggests nothing of the sort. I have served clients professionally as their fiduciary for almost 25 years. The fiduciary duty is the highest standard to which one must adhere in the practice of law and advocacy, and I have done so honorably. It is also the highest standard to which public officials must adhere in administering public funds.
My opponent appears from the record to have done so less than honorably, but to distract from this record he has opted to criticize me in the hope that voters will overlook his record on the Permanent School Fund—an asset intended to serve our school children.
Finally, his criticism highlights the ultimate irony--in almost 25 years of law practice, I have represented only Republican candidates and elected officials in extensive and sometimes extremely partisan campaign and redistricting disputes. Equally, I have defended many religious organizations based in Texas from government interference, including many of the largest evangelical churches in District 5. With this verifiable professional record and history, it is lamentable and ironic that my opponent appears to be unable to focus on student opportunities and the important role the SBOE should play in educating our children.
Let’s Get Back to the Business of Education!!!!
CaraMendelsohn
Hurray for Thomas Ratliff! He also has the support of many involved parents and community leaders who who are tired of watching the SBOE focus on divisive and partisan politics and ignore the education professionals, parents and the children they should be serving. Thomas is very bright, has children in public schools, understands the challenges ahead in education, and has a passion for student achivement and support. These are the reasons he will easily win the seat and many fans in Texas. Most parents, like me, have never been involved in any SBOE race, but with such outrageous behavior the last few years, we have become engaged. And we'll be out in force campaigning and voting for our candidate, Thomas Ratliff.