The day after an election reminds me of the Wide World of Sports? catch phrase:  ?The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.?
The Utah defeat adds to the list of other states previously having school choice referendums.  Anytime the issue is taken to the voters, it always ends in the ?agony of defeat.?
BUT WHY? Usually one of the main reasons for this constant defeat in the ballot box has to do with the amount of money spent to influence, ?manipulate,? the voter. But the Utah defeat might change that reasoning. It seems both sides in Utah spent over $4 million each; however, the final amounts have not yet been reported. Bottom line the Utah pro voucher campaign simply did not do a good job of marketing, while the anti voucher side hired a Democratic firm that has worked for Hillary Clinton, and did a much better PR job.
Closer to home in Mecklenburg County, the more money spent did not equal better results. Look at the school board race. Kaye McGarry raised the most and she did get the most votes at 21 percent. However, Julian Wright raised the next amount and came in fourth with 15 percent. Good ole? Coach Joe spent $30,000 less than Wright but had 16 percent of the vote. It seems incumbents took the night.
Meanwhile the school bonds in Mecklenburg were part of a $300,000 campaign with NO registered opponent, and the bonds passed with over 60 percent of the voters? support.
Again, money matters, but how you spend money matters more ? also it does matter if you are an incumbent, or status quo.  
The story in Macon County is fascinating. I spoke in Macon County back in late August, and was impressed with the folks involved in political policy  – congratulations to those who stood up to the education establishment.  This story might show us that old fashion relationships with grassroots advocacy matters as much as money.