Most political watchdog organizations measure political clout by linking contributions to candidates or political issues. MAPlight.org in California also links political clout to ?pass rates? and ?kill rates? on bills that become law. It seems the teachers unions in California supported 163 bills, 75 became law. What is really impressive is they opposed 44 bills, and 44 did not become law, a 100 percent ?kill rate.?
One wonder the ?kill rate? of North Carolina Association of Educators, Association of School Administrators, North Carolina School Board Association and other establishment groups would rate? The lobby strength of these groups is huge, and a reason the charter school cap has not been raised in 10 years!
Today is Charter School Day at the General Assembly. Hopefully there will be enough ?citizen lobbyist? to make things happen this year.