[img_assist|nid=863|title=Rich Semler|desc=|link=none|url=undefined|align=right|width=147|height=220]Postman'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."