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Education cuts may energize angry Texas parents

Posted: 2:27 PM May 7, 2012
Reporter: From Wire Reports

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Legislature's approval of $5.4 billion in cuts to public education may energize angry parents in a way similar to how the tea party movement mobilized conservatives in 2010.

In the Texas House alone, at least 29 candidates who are current or former school board members - or have other education experience - are challenging incumbents or vying for open seats in the May 29 primary.

Seventeen are Republicans and 12 are Democrats. Most are pledging to fix Texas' broken school finance system and dial back the importance of high-stakes standardized tests.

A possible education backlash has one Republican incumbent nervous she could lose her seat and another facing a primary challenge that may be stronger than expected.

Pro-education candidates may also grab some open House seats.

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