Arpaio hearts Huppenthal for Ed Supe

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by David Safier
Our friends on the right over at Sonoran Alliance are thrilled to announce, "Arizona's most popular elected official endorses Sen. John Huppenthal for Schools Superintendent."

That may be a good thing for Hupp's primary chances. It looks like he and Rep. Rich Crandall may be squaring off for the Republican spot — the two are chairs of their respective Education Committees — and the wingnut vote has been carrying the Republican primaries lately. It's probably a good thing to have Arpaio and the Lou Dobbs crowd on your side.

Here are some of Huppenthal's pluses, according to S.A.

Huppenthal played a key role in helping create school choice for parents. In 1995, as Senate Education Chairman, his legislation took the caps off charter schools. This legislation moved Arizona to first in the nation in school choice (ALEC rankings). In addition, Congressman Trent Franks named Senator Huppenthal one of three legislators most responsible for creating and expanding tuition tax credits in Arizona.

Arpaio likes the ed choice part of Huppenthal's resume as well.

He has been a driving force behind expanded school choice in Arizona,” said Arpaio.

The Ed Supe race is usually way below voters' radar. This year, though, with education funding such a huge issue, not to mention vouchers, tax credits and ELL, the race could get more attention than usual — and without an incumbent, things could get pretty heated, and competitive.