Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paulette Jordan came out swinging in Monday night’s debate against her Republican opponent, Lt. Governor Brad Little.
Jordan needled Little when he boasted the state has increased teacher salaries more than any other in the past few years.
“This is pretty much like the best award for most improved for Idaho. Good job, because really we have fallen behind over the last many years – including the last decade that you’ve been in charge,” she said.
The average teacher salary in Idaho is towards the bottom of all states. Both Little and Jordan promise to give out raises to teachers if elected.
Little was also questioned about his initiative to get 60 percent of Idahoans to earn a college or technical degree by 2020, which hasn’t made much headway in recent years.
“You can’t just snap your fingers and have all these kids going on to college. You have to invest in early childhood,” Little says. “We’ve got to get these kids reading proficiently at the end of the third grade.”
Jordan criticized him for not helping to reform early childhood education during his nine years as lieutenant governor, saying her own children could have benefited from early attention at school.
That comment prompted his only counterpunch of the debate.
“Perhaps you’ll get into a position where you’ll understand the role between the lieutenant governor and the governor.”
Little also sidestepped repeated questions as to whether he’ll personally vote for a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid in Idaho. He simply responded he’ll support the will of the voters.
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