Third State Board of Education Member Endorses Mike Pearce

HARKER HEIGHTS TEXAS  (January 7 2008)   Mike Pearce Republican candidate for House District 55 (part of Bell County) announced yet another key endorsement from a Republican State Board of Education member. Terri Leo a former teacher herself has joined SBOE members Ken Mercer and Gail Lowe in supporting Pearce who continues to receive endorsements from conservatives from around the State of Texas.

Mrs. Leo said “Mike Pearce is a leader who will support positive change in the Texas Legislature and will not cower to the ‘business-as-usual crowd’ in Austin.  As a former classroom teacher myself I know that having a conservative former educator like Mike in Austin will present wonderful opportunities for reform that will counter the liberal-minded prevailing attitudes about education.” 

Mrs. Leo concluded “I decided to make this endorsement because I know how crucial it is that the District 55 primary produce a candidate who can eloquently and effectively promote the conservative values held by the vast majority of Texans.”

Pearce recently authored an Opinion Editorial column on the controversial social studies college-readiness standards proposed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  The column has been widely published in newspapers across the state and is available on the campaign web site at www.voteformikepearce.com.

In addition to the endorsements of Leo Mercer and Lowe Pearce’s campaign has received the endorsement of Texas Eagle Forum PAC the state’s leading conservative pro-life and pro-family organization.  Pearce’s campaign has also been endorsed by Peggy Venable the State Director of Americans for Prosperity.  To date Pearce is the only candidate who has signed the “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” which calls for more fiscal responsibility in government spending. 

Pearce thanked Terri Leo for her support and said “This endorsement is gratifying and humbling.  To have the backing of a woman who has been on the front-lines in the war against indoctrinatory and agenda-driven curriculum and educational standards gives me great pride.  She has always fought for what is best for students and best for the future of Texas. 

When I get to Austin I will fight hard to improve education using Terri Leo’s leadership on the SBOE as an example.  As I travel across the district I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and our campaign is gaining momentum every day.” 

Mike Pearce a former U.S. Marine taught in Bell County public schools for 10 years and received exemplary reviews for his innovative teaching methods from students parents and administrators.  Pearce recently founded an educational company that sells a technology-based curriculum to teachers in 28 states.  Mike has been married to his high-school sweetheart Melanie for over 17 years and they are the proud parents of 6 wonderful children: Arianna Alexandra Evan Reganne Jillian and Laura.