Bipartisan Victories Fuel Strong Election Night Performance for Educational Choice Champions

Newly elected candidates across the state pledge to advance quality options for Arizona families

PHOENIX, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation for Children—the nation's voice for educational choice—today congratulated a slate of bipartisan legislative candidates across Arizona who were victorious in last night's elections and have pledged to support and advocate for meaningful education reform, including educational choice. 

The Federation and its affiliated political organizations endorsed 15 legislative candidates in Arizona, including four state senate candidates. It conducted independent expenditures on behalf of each endorsed candidate in either the primary or the general election. All of the 10 general election candidates endorsed by the Federation were victorious last night, including Rep. Kimberly Yee (R) and Rep. Barbara McGuire (D), both of whom won state senate seats

"We're pleased that our investment in Arizona has helped to usher in a growing number of educational choice supporters to the legislature," said Kevin P. Chavous , senior advisor to the American Federation for Children. "We stand with candidates from both sides of the aisle who are strong advocates for giving families in Arizona access to high-quality educational options."

The slate of candidates supported by the Federation in Arizona emphasizes the organization's strong commitment to supporting a bipartisan roster of champions who stand up for children. One such champion is McGuire, a Democrat and small business owner as well as a lifelong native of the district she represents.

This year's political involvement by the Federation and its affiliated organizations represents one of their largest investments ever, reinforcing their pledge to ensure that strong, highly accountable school choice legislation is enacted for the children most in need.

"The growing bipartisan support for educational choice helps to ensure that families from all backgrounds and income levels will be afforded the opportunity to send their children to the school of their choice," Chavous said.

Arizona recently expanded the nation's longest running scholarship tax credit  program, and its education savings accounts program is now open to students in failing schools, foster care children, children of military personnel, as well as children with special needs.

Last year, Arizona was home to more than 30,000 students participating in private school choice programs, a number that is expected to rise in the 2012-13 school year.

SOURCE American Federation for Children

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http://www.FederationForChildren.org