INDIANA'S CLASSROOM TEACHERS ENDORSE LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNOR

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 5, 2008                                  
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455

INDIANA'S CLASSROOM TEACHERS ENDORSE LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNOR

INDIANAPOLIS - Recognizing their lifelong support of education, today Indiana's classroom teachers endorsed Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley in their campaign to become Indiana's next Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Represented by the Indiana Political Action Committee for Education, an affiliate of the Indiana State Teachers Association, the organization represents 50,000 teachers and other school employees across the state.

Long Thompson was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's degree and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University. She then taught at several higher education institutions including Valparaiso University, Manchester College and Indiana University

"Education completely changed my life," said Long Thompson. "From my elementary school experience to my time at Indiana University, I owe everything to the opportunities my education presented me."

"And, now, I worry that too many of our children are being left out and left behind by the Daniels administration and their failed policies," added Long Thompson. "We need leaders who understand that in order to turn Indiana's economy around, we must have a strong educational system - and Dennie and I will be those leaders."

Long Thompson's running mate, Lieutenant Governor Candidate State Representative Dennie Oxley also has classroom experience. He has worked as a math teacher and school administrator in the Crawford County Community School Corporation and prior to his election to the Indiana House of Representatives, he served as president of the Crawford County Classroom Teachers Association.

"My time in the classroom is something that I carry with me in everything I do, especially throughout this campaign," said Oxley. "Jill and I understand that one of the greatest economic development tools is our education system - and that's why we are running."

We want to ensure that our education system is working for our students and our families, so we can rebuild this and ensure that the next generation of Hoosiers enjoys the same opportunities we did."

On Wednesday, Long Thompson and Oxley unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform education to help grow the economy. A part of their "One Indiana Plan," their proposals include measures to ensure all Hoosier children learn to read, creating more flexibility in the classroom to reduce the state's abysmal high school dropout rate and better prepare the future workforce and to create lifelong learning opportunities and college scholarships for more Hoosiers. The full plan can be viewed at http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/reforming_education.

Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and  A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.

Dennie Oxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters.

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

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