EDUCATION

There should be nothing partisan about this issue. Education is the key to America's future security and prosperity and it is the key to our children's future prosperity. We are an incentive-driven nation; let's focus on programs that reward students, teachers and schools for hard work and superior performance. I agree with President Obama and support the expansion of Charter Schools in Virginia. A well-educated work force will attract new business to our area; let's invest in our country's future by strengthening our schools and rewarding outstanding teachers.

Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, our third President and father of the University of Virginia said: "If the children . . . are untaught, their ignorance and vices will in future life cost us much dearer in their consequences, than it would have done, in their correction, by a good education."