Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction

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.

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."

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

Public School Employees E.D. Randy Dorn enters the race, where incumbent Terry Bergeson has been abandoned by the WEA, who gave their endorsement to Richland Superintendent Rich Semler. WASL-watch starts now.

Rich SemlerPostman's blog is reporting that, although State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson is a past president of the Washington Education Association, the group has decided to back challenger Rich Semler instead.

Bergeson has held the position since 1996, and Semler was the superintendent of the Richland school district from 1997-2007.

"I appreciate the WEA endorsement for my platform of change," Semler said in a statement. "This endorsement represents the teachers who are on the frontlines educating our children and who will work with me in our effort to refocus Washington education from testing to a more balanced curriculum that embraces high standards yet respects individual student needs and desires."