Gov. Butch Otter's campaign issued this response to Democratic challenger Keith Allred's comments this morning regarding the state budget and school funding. It's a statement from Otter:
 “Mike Ferguson’s economic forecast this morning was very positive news for our state.  This is a prime example of how my conservative approach to budgeting set us up for success in the future. Regarding my opponent’s claims, I am about results-based leadership.  Recent reports show our students are outperforming the majority of the nation.  Look at the numbers.  26% of Idaho schools made AYP in 2007 and in 2009, 66% of schools made AYP.  We are leading the way.  As I have stated, once the state’s revenue increases, money for our children’s education would be the first to be restored.  My opponent once again thinks that you can govern on theory when in fact; it takes experience like mine to understand the full budgeting process.”

The campaign added, “Today’s adjustment from Mike Ferguson was another correction to his previous incorrect predictions.  So, if Governor Otter would have listened to our opponent in January and just used Mr. Ferguson’s numbers, we would be more than $140M upside down at this point.  Instead, Governor Otter took the careful and prudent approach to balancing the budget.”