Terry Bergeson

Randy Dorn, who is running for superintendent of public instruction, will join Rich Semler, the erstwhile candidate, for a press conference in Semler's native Tri-Cities today. The press release, seen here at the TNT, says the two will "announce two major developments" about the race.

When Semler abruptly droppped out of the race in late May he was seen as incumbent Terry Bergeson's top challenger. He had raised a substantial amount of money and had the backing of the state's powerful teachers union, the Washington Educators Association.

UPDATE: As widely predicted, this morning's press conferenced addressed the endorsement of Randy Dorn for superintendent by Semler and the WEA.

Here is what Dorn told PolitickerWA.com about the news.

SPOKANE - 

The Democratic Party's Executive Board met this morning and endorsed Randy Dorn for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

PolitickerWA.com caught up with Dorn for a comment on the news.

The WEA, the biggest teachers union in the state, is now left with a Superintendent whom they have viciously attacked, a test that isn't so bad after all, and nobody to lead their parade.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson welcomed the news that more than 90% of high school seniors had passed the graduation requirements of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.

One of her opponents, Randy Dorn, does not see it that way. He called Bergeson's celebration "shortsighted and off the mark." 

Dave Reichert wins green recognition while Dino Rossi wavers on global warming. Here are the Winners & Losers for May 30, 2008.

Rich SemlerRichland School District Superintendent Rich Semler announced Friday that he would end his campaign for Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction according to the Tri-City Herald. Semler told the paper that he made the decision in order to spend more time with his ailing wife, who recently learned that one of her kidneys is failing.

"I've put my family second most of my career. (This is) the right thing to do," Semler said. "There will be people who are disappointed, but I think they will understand."

This week's Winners & Losers are now posted.

The WEA really doesn't want Terry Bergeson to be Superintendent anymore. But nobody else really wants the job either. Here's why.