population, attend school considered unsatisfactory (Walton 2000: 1). These schools are also found in every state. Several studies have found that students in well-maintained schools perform better than students in poorly maintained ones. A second reason why this topic has been such a main issue is due to the fact that in this campaign, Republican candidate George Bush has been very advocate about the topic, while the Republicans usually avoid education reform. The Texas governor has kept education overhaul as the centerpiece of his campaign for the better part of the last year, even in the face of fierce bombardment by the Democrats on other issues (allpolitcis 1). As Bush once said in an interview, “ Education has got to be the cornerstone of domestic policy. The Republican Party has been unfairly cast as a party that doesn’t seem to care about public education,” (Frontline, Bush 1 ). Bush has been very advocate about vouchers, while Gore is completely opposed to them. Bush also strongly believes in accountability, and says, “Accountability is one of the key ingredients to make sure children just don’t get left behind,” (Frontline, Bush 2). He also says, “The difference between me and my opponent is that I know the best education reforms come from the bottom up, not the top down. The best way to encourage excellence for every child is to free people to innovate, and to encourage educational entrepreneurships, whether or not choice and charters are a part of that freedom. But the federal government should not mandate choice and charters,” (Frontline, Bush 4 ). George W. Bush has been advocate as well about his reading initiative. Gore feels that education has been so prevalent, because of jobs, and the increasing education needed in the job market. Gore says, “ Now the difference between Governor Bush and myself is this: I would shut down failing schools and reopen them w...
