Education issues take backseat

Controversy over lottery has overshadowed other issues, blurred who is in charge of schools system

Web posted October 26, 1998

 Hopefuls

By Carrie Armstrong
Associated Press

COLUMBIA -- Think education in this year's election and you're likely to think ``lottery'' because of how that issue, linked to schools, has dominated the governor's race.

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Other important issues, and to some extent the candidates vying for state education superintendent, have been obscured, said Superintendent Barbara Nielsen, a Republican not seeking reelection to a third term.

``People are confused about who's really responsible for education,'' Ms. Nielsen said. ``You certainly want the governor to take an interest in education, but except for the veto power, he can't do much.''

More than a third of those questioned in a media-sponsored poll in late August said they were undecided between Democrat Inez Tenenbaum and Republican David Eckstrom. That compared with 14 percent in the governor's race, where Democrat Jim Hodges has made a lottery for education one of his main issues.

``The lottery certainly drowns out all the other education issues,'' said Clemson political science professor Charles Dunn. ``But on the other hand, this year we have two unknown people running for an unknown job.''

Mr. Eckstrom, a lawyer, heads the District 5 school board in the affluent suburban Irmo area of Columbia. Ms. Tenenbaum also is a lawyer and a former legislative researcher and teacher.

``I think this race would have drawn more attention if they were more specific and talked about issues,'' Ms. Nielsen said. ``But most of what they're talking about has been done. Neither one has strayed very far from their set statements because they're not educators.''

Both candidates support a back-to-basics curriculum, with a strong emphasis on reading, math and science. Both want better teacher training and support, higher academic standards and more accountability, safer and more disciplined classrooms, and more parental involvement.

Ms. Tenenbaum supports a state lottery if all the money goes to public schools. Mr. Eckstrom says voters should decide.

Whether to allow vouchers for private schools has been divisive. Mr. Eckstrom says they would be good for competition, but Ms. Tenenbaum says vouchers would drain money from public schools.

They are a little closer on whether the Ten Commandments should be allowed in schools. Ms. Tenenbaum doesn't object as long as teachers don't promote them. Mr. Eckstrom likes fellow Republican state Attorney General Charlie Condon's nonbinding opinion that they are appropriate if used as a historical reference.

Mr. Eckstrom lost a challenge to Mr. Condon in the GOP primary four years ago.

The South Carolina Education Association has endorsed Tenenbaum, giving her some much-needed publicity, Mr. Dunn said.

``Some people think Tenenbaum is ahead in this race because she has the education network behind her, but it's really going to be a turnout question,'' he said. ``This a Republican state, and if you have more Republicans voting a straight party, Mr. Eckstrom will benefit.''

Mr. Eckstrom also has name recognition. His brother, state Treasurer Richard Eckstrom, is up for reelection and was endorsed by the SCEA.

Ms. Tenenbaum ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor four years ago. That and Mr. Eckstrom's prior political bid, has led some critics to say they want to use the job as a political stepping stone. If so, they've chosen the wrong office, Ms. Nielsen said.

``You're representing the needs of children, and they don't always blow with the political winds,'' said the superintendent, who has made her share of enemies. ``You have to have the courage to speak up, and a lot of times you're going to get people mad at you.''

Hopefuls

David Eckstrom

Party: Republican.

Personal: Born July 21, 1946, Lexington. Lives in Columbia. Married Alba Begg, two sons in public schools. Bachelor's and law degrees University of South Carolina, master's degree Duke University. Former assistant attorney general, now a lawyer and chairman of Richland-Lexington District 5 school board.

Political: Lost a bid for state attorney general to Charlie Condon in 1994 primary.

Inez Tenenbaum

Party: Democrat.

Personal: Born March 8, 1951, Hawkinsville, Ga. Lives in Lexington. Married Samuel Tenenbaum, no children. Bachelor's and master's degrees University of Georgia, law degree University of South Carolina. Lawyer who serves on various child advocacy boards. Former research director, state House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, former teacher.

Political: Lost a bid for lieutenant governor to Liz Patterson in 1994 primary.