Gadfly tries not to read the political tea leaves, preferring a just-the-facts approach. But when the senior Senator from California, Democratic impresario, and teachers' union darling Dianne Feinstein comes out in favor of private school vouchers, something important is going on. Feinstein has emerged as a potential swing vote in the Senate, where foes of the D.C. voucher bill are threatening to filibuster the measure if it comes to the floor. This week, Senator Feinstein wrote in a Washington Post op-ed, "I have never before supported a voucher program. For 30 years, I have advocated strongly for our public schools, because I believe that they are the cornerstone of our education system.... But as a former mayor, I also believe that local leaders should have the opportunity to experiment with programs that they believe are right for their area." Feinstein's union allies, of course, are furious. "They're calling her office in Washington to say don't do this, and that's the politest thing I can say," said California Teachers Association President Barbara Kerr. Feinstein said that low achievement in the D.C. public schools - despite ever-increasing funding - convinced her that "if the mayor wants this program, it should be given the chance to work." Keep watching; a deal may be in the offing.
"Let D.C. try vouchers," by Dianne Feinstein, Washington Post, July 22, 2003
"Feinstein backs vouchers for D.C. schools," by Edward Epstein, San Francisco Chronicle, July 23, 2003
"Foes halt vote on school vouchers," by Spencer Hsu, Washington Post, July 17, 2003
"Are vouchers stalled?" by Seth Stern, Christian Science Monitor, July 22, 2003