This is the Oval Office of the White House, not the upstairs of a fraternity house. Along with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, chairman of the Campaign for a New American Century PAC, Alexander called for increased local and state involvement in education. We don't have an education problem in this country. We have a political problem. At the dinner, Alexander honored state Rep. Beth Halteman Harwell, R-Nashville, for her work last week in helping guide Gov. Don Sundquist's charter schools bill.
Charter schools offer special curricula and flexibility from state regulations.
Alexander said the legislation would broaden choices parents have within the public education system and help schools become better. A former Iowa Teacher of the Year was honored for serving on a commission advocating reforms, including increased pay for good teachers, easier steps to get rid of poor teachers and local standards for accountability. The PAC will be used to provide financial support to state and federal candidates across the country. In 1996 and 1997, the PAC gave to candidates in 25 states. Alexander again called on Clinton to tell what happened, if anything, between him and former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.