News Local/State

Indiana Schools Chief Announces Run For Governor

 
Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz announces in Indianapolis Thursday that she will run in the Democratic primary for Indiana Governor.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz announces in Indianapolis Thursday that she will run in the Democratic primary for Indiana Governor. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz formally announced her candidacy for governor Thursday, but the state's Republican chairman says she doesn't have a record that merits her seeking the office.

Ritz announced her candidacy Thursday morning for the 2016 Democratic nomination, in hopes of ousting Republican Gov. Mike Pence from office.
 
State GOP Chairman Jeff Cardwell says in a statement that Ritz hasn't been successful in managing the Department of Education or implementing effective policies.
 
Ritz has clashed repeatedly with Pence and Republican lawmakers over control of state education programs, such as the state's A-F grading system for schools and the use of private school vouchers.
 
Cardwell says Pence's principles and policies have continued moving Indiana forward.

Ritz is the third Democrat to enter the race, which also includes former Indiana House Speaker and 2012 candidate John Gregg and state Sen. Karen Tallian of Portage.
 
In 2012, she upset then-Superintendent Tony Bennett with a grass-roots campaign fueled largely by teachers unhappy with education reforms the Republican pushed.