The AJC reports education groups are giving money to Democratic candidate for state school superintendent Valarie Wilson. One of the groups is the Georgia Association of Educators, which endorsed Wilson.
The AJC.com story prompted a note from Wilson’s Republican opponent Richard Woods.
“I hope that you will be spotlighting the AJC piece regarding the influence of special interest money in this race on your blog today. Early on in the campaign, I pledged not to accept any money from PACs, special interests, or out-of-state donors. In keeping with that promise, I have turned down thousands of dollars in contributions,” he said.
In response, Wilson said this morning, "I have said throughout this campaign that I believe the most important factor in the school environment for student success is a highly qualified teacher. I am grateful that educators, who teach our children every day and are deeply invested in the success of our students, also recognize my commitment to those same young people."
The AJC notes Wilson has raised about five times as much as Woods. As of Oct. 25, Wilson had about $475,000 while Woods reported raising about $56,000. But the AJC’s James Salzer points out more money isn’t an assurance of success, especially for a Democrat in a state that’s consistently elected Republicans in the last dozen years.
I am seeing notes on Facebook for voters looking for guidance in this race. If you are undecided on this race, here is an essay by Woods and one by Wilson on what they would do if elected.
And here is the online report on teacher group donations by Salzer:
There are limits on how much teacher groups like the Georgia Association of Educators and the American Federation of Teachers can spend on their candidate for state school superintendent, Democrat Valarie Wilson.
So they are funneling big money through Better Georgia, a liberal group that has long been a thorn in the side of Gov. Nathan Deal. Under state law, individuals, businesses and groups can contribute about $16,000 directly to candidates, including money for primary runoffs. The Georgia Federation of Teachers contributed $9,300 to Wilson. The American Federation of Teachers gave $2,000, and the Georgia Association of Educators $6,300, according to disclosure records.
Like a lot of groups with a point of view, Better Georgia is registered as an “independent committee,” meaning it doesn’t have to disclose all its donors. However, the group has disclosed getting $134,000 this year from the Georgia Association of Educators and $70,000 from the American Federation of Teachers. In turn, the group reported spending about $204,000 on media buys and phone calls to support Wilson.
GAE most recently sank $70,000 into the Wilson campaign, through Better Georgia, last week. Combined with the Better Georgia money, Wilson will have had about $475,000 for her campaign against Woods, who reported raising about $56,000 as of Oct. 25.
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