White House Paid Commentator To Promote Education Law

Seeking to build support among black families for its education reform law, the Bush administration paid $240,000 to Armstrong Williams (pictured) to promote No Child Left Behind on his nationally syndicated television show and to urge other black journalists to do the same. The conservative Republican said he doesn't recall disclosing the contract to audiences but claims that he told colleagues about it when urging them to promote the law. Williams said that he understands that critics may find the arrangement unethical, but “I wanted to do it because it's something I believe in.” The top Democrat on the House Education Committee, Rep. George Miller of California, called the contract “a very questionable use of taxpayers' money” that is “probably illegal.” He said he will ask his Republican counterpart to join him in requesting an investigation.

First of all, ain't that Education Secretary Rod Paige's job?! Two, it was shady and unethical for the Bush administration to pay the money, and for Williams to take it. Three, what a misuse of taxpayer funds. Four, it was strategically unsavvy on the administration's part: Williams would've been low on our list of effective folks for this task. And five, since Williams believes in No Child Left Behind then he should've promoted it for free.

(hat tip: Eduwonk)