Win one, lose one, win another one

Voucher supporters who have been courting black Democrats for years picked up a key vote two weeks ago in the form of Rep. Frank Peterman, D-St. Petersburg, (see Gradebook post here), only to lose it days later when Gov. Crist made Peterman the new head of the Department of Juvenile Justice. But if they were upset, it wasn't for long.

In recent days, another black Democrat, Rep. Charles S. “Chuck” Chestnut IV (left), has signed on as a co-sponsor of HB 653, the same voucher bill Peterman was supporting. At this point, you have to wonder: How many other black Democrats are waiting to buck their party?

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Comments

Thank you Rep. Chestnut for supporting parental choice for low income families!

Kudos to Chestnut for supporting the constituents in his district who want the power of choice.

To say their party (Democrat Party), is opposed may be a misstatementthese days. Isn't Sen Lawson a co-introducer of the Senate version and isn't he the incoming Democratic leader in the Senate? I think "their party" will be less vocal about their opposition now that their leaders are hearing from their constituents loud and clear- we want choices just like those with money have!

The Court has already expressly ruled against vouchers in the Opportunity Scholarship case. The ruling said that the Legisalture does not have the authority to create a second or third system to meet its requirement in the constitution to provide for a high quality system (one system) of free public schools. The Legislature can unanimously usurp the powers assigned by the constitution to school boards, but it will ultimately fail to stand if challenged.

Those who want vouchers should try to change the constitution. Ignoring it is a violation of my individual rights. Worse than that, while they may have a majority in the Legislature, polling suggests that they have never come close to even a simple majority with Florida's citizens.

So, hear this loud and clear. If the "constituents" really want this, put it on the ballot. If not, all constitutional officers are sworn to uphold and protect the constitution. They should all keep the promises that they individually made by swearing on a bible.