The Four Horsemen of Vouchers Apocalypse

Urquhart, Bramble, Stephenson, Hughes

From todays Tribune

Payback time?
The UEA's Kuziak said the education community is fearful of repercussions for campaigning against vouchers.
"I had one of our elected legislators tell me specifically that education funding would suffer," she said, declining to name the lawmaker.
She also suggested there could be anti-union legislation introduced in the attempt to punish the UEA.
Other educators say they expect legislation to change the referendum law, to make it more difficult for the public to oppose the will of the Legislature.
A bill to make the selection of the state School Board a partisan election also may emerge again, they say.
Bramble says the anti-voucher side will label any education reform proposed by Republicans retaliation. "I think you will see several reforms introduced. And when they are introduced, those who oppose vouchers will simply come forward and they will try to pigeonhole them as retribution."
Stephenson said GOP lawmakers' relationship with the UEA will not change, adding that it had soured long ago.
The small band of renegade Republicans who broke with leadership and opposed vouchers were reluctant to discuss possible retaliation for their independence.
"I assume people will be professional. That's the only thing I can assume," said Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield. "If you worry about that when you take a stand, you probably ought not to be in public service."
Rep. Mel Brown, R-Coalville, a former House speaker who knows the power of party leaders to stop legislation, said, "If a person is going to serve, you hope they are mature enough to accept people with different opinions. The whole issue boils down to the majority of the leaders. If they believe in the process, our opposition won't make any difference in how they act."
State School Board Chairman Kim Burningham says he doesn't regret his passionate opposition to vouchers that angered many lawmakers.
"When you're in a position like state school board member or legislator," Burningham said, "you must stand up for what you believe in or you're a chicken."