Federal Aid Adds Twist to Election
Government's Proper Role Weighed Against Benefits.
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The massive flow of federal funding into schools has created a new and unfamiliar political dynamic in state elections this fall, with many candidates voicing concerns about the government involvement while acknowledging its role in saving jobs, propping up budgets, and supporting innovations in education.
State elected officials have a long history of opposing federal programs that they fear will encroach on their authority to set school policy.
But while some conservative candidates have railed against federal stimulus funding, arguing that it will heap future obligations on states, other contenders for governor and schools superintendent back that assistance, essentially agreeing with the Obama administration’s position that it will boost employment and school quality.
A number of state candidates explain that while they might normally oppose the
