Mike McCarville
The most-contested statewide race appears to be that for superintendent of public instruction, pitting runaway Republican primary winner Joy Hofmeister vesus Democrat school administrator Dr. John Cox.
The latest poll makes this a 2-point race, advantage Hofmeister, meaning anything can happen.
Hofmeister, former State School Board member who resigned in disfavor with incumbent Janet Barresi, blew the incumbent away in the primary, relegating her to a weak third-place finish.
Cox, with the backing of much of the educational establishment, is said to be strong in some rural areas while Hofmeister appears stronger in the urban areas.
The campaign has focused on attacks. Hofmeister and her supporters have gone after Cox for his high salary ($141,678) in a small school district (Peggs).
Cox and his backers have gone after Hofmeister for her lack of public school experience and they have pushed allegations that Hofmeister and a campaign consultant were involved in expenditures by an independent group, an allegation both deny.
