Well, I am currently watching the numbers as the primary ballots are being counted and thought I would post. I voted today in my first presidential election! I have waited my whole life for this day and am very excited for November! I feel this primary has been pretty favorable to republicans and there are a few really close races that should be fun to watch over the next few months. I am not really favorable to the new "Top 2 Primary" and a few of our local races (since we are in a liberal area) will have two democrats facing off in November. This primary gives republicans really no chance at all in our district.
I finally heard from one of the other SPI candidates, John Blair. Here is what he said:
"Sarah,I would everything in my power to oppose it. I don't know the legal basis in CA but I hope it does not obtain in WA." jb
You would think that if you were serious in running for office, you would try to be a bit professional. At least sign your name properly!
Lately, I have been studying the voting guide, to prepare myself to be a well informed voter. The most difficult races to figure out are the non-partisan races, such as Judicial and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Judicial is easy enough, because so many organizations make endorsements. SPI on the other hand is not as easy. Even though this position does not really affect our family since we homeschool, it kind of does, considering the recent situation in California where homeschooling was under attack. So, I e-mailed all the candidates, except one (more about that later) asking this question:
"Considering the recent situation in California, regarding home education, what would your position be if such a situation was to happen here in Washington?"
I made sure not to tip my hand in either direction, to ensure a truthful answer. Out of all five candidates, only one answered my e-mail. Here is his reply:
"Dear Sarah: I don't have complete information on the situation in California, but want you to know that I value homeschooling very highly., I have many friends who homeschool their children, and I find that they are very dedicated to the education of their children. If elected SPI, I want to do whatever I can to make the OSPI more friendly to both homeschoolers and private school parents, as long as it doesn't violate the constitution." Don Hansler, candidate for SPI
I am quite pleased with this answer and he seems to have many good answers for solving some of the problems in the public school system. I hope he does well and encourage other homeschoolers here in Washington to support him. I know the incumbent is not friendly to homeschoolers and has little to show for improving the schools. Here is a video of Mr. Hansler stating his platform:
Here is a video of one of the other SPI candidates--one who I did not contact!
Sometimes, I wonder if people try to run just for humors sake or if they are really serious!
