UPDATED: Semler, Dorn to announce 'major development'

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.

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

"Dr. Semler endorsing me was truly important to me because of the fact that he had been out there talking about how the WASL assessment is just not doing the job and needs to be replaced," Dorn said. "He was doing it when it wasn't popular, and it's a lot more popular now."

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

He saw the WEA's endorsement as more of a working compact.

"We know that we differ on some issues and we are in agreement on other issues and we think we can have a quality relationship," Dorn said of the group. "I appreciate their help."

Dorn is the executive director of the Public School Employees of Washington. It is the second largest educational employee's organization in the state after the WEA.