Daines Sticks With DeVos

Several Republicans in Congress announced Wednesday they would vote against the confirmation of embattled Education nominee Betsy DeVos’, the Michigan billionaire whose very public disdain for public education once led to her defiantly refusing to pay her taxes to fund public schools, and Democrats needed only one more GOP vote to deny her approval.  It has sparked a flurry of speculation about other Republicans that could flip– but Montana Sen. Steve Daines has said he won’t be one of them.

 
Daines has been an ardent supporter of DeVos, because she endorses his education proposal that would change federal funding and let private, religious and charter schools opt out of federal accountability.  The Billings teachers union hasn’t launched a formal campaign, but president Rita Wells said DeVos has absolutely no experience with public education, and members are contacting Montana’s senators.