Governor William Winter endorses Travis Childers
Former governor says Mississippi needs Travis Childers in Washington

BOONEVILLE (Thursday, May 1, 2008) – Former “Education” Governor William Winter formally endorsed Travis Childers today in his bid for the special election to fill the vacant 1st Congressional District U.S. House seat.

Governor Winter spoke with Childers at Anderson Elementary School in Booneville. Governor Winter said he was supporting Childers because of his staunch dedication and support for public education.

“I want to thank Travis Childers for his support of public education. Travis understands the concerns and priorities of the people of Mississippi,” Governor Winter said. “ Mississippi needs a leader in Congress, someone who will make education a priority. Mississippi needs Travis Childers in Washington.” 

“I am deeply humbled and appreciative of Governor Winters' endorsement and support,” Childers said. “I hope to carry on his tradition of standing up for Mississippi's children and will take the lead in improving education in Congress.”  

Childers said he will work hard in Congress to improve education – unlike his opponent, Republican Greg Davis, who voted as a state legislator to uphold then-Gov. Kirk Fordice's veto of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) (Veto Override Vote for S.B. 2649, 4/23/97).

The MAEP, called the most important education measure since the Education Reform Act of 1982, revised the funding formula for public schools and is designed to guarantee local school districts have the money they need to provide a proper education for Mississippi children.

“If Greg Davis didn't support Mississippi's children while he was in the Legislature, how can the people of North Mississippi count on him to do right by our students and teachers in Washington?” Childers said. “I've always supported public education, and I will continue my strong record in Congress.”

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