Item: Myopia kept Idaho Education Association from seeing big picture/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman

More Info: Had the IEA paid attention to key Senate races, the outcome could well have been different. Two seats might have been saved — in Southeast Boise and Twin Falls. You might say, as IEA President Sherri Wood does, that a two-seat gain would have meant an 18-17 win for Luna. My read is a one-vote margin would mean both bills would still be in the Senate Education Committee, where Luna’s third bill is stuck because of a similarly sketchy majority. Close votes on huge policy changes make lawmakers nervous, especially since Luna revealed the plan just six weeks ago and public reaction has been largely negative.

Question: Do you agree with Dan Popkey's contention that the Idaho Education Association would have been better off concentrating money and effort in helping key senators win, rather than beating Luna?