Tough Choice

Reason, June, 2000 by John J. Miller

Engler makes a final point worth considering: It's still far from certain the Supreme Court will uphold school choice. Cleveland and Florida's programs are currently in litigation, and one of them will probably wind up before the Court in the next two years or so. Given the Court's current composition, odds are that the program will be upheld. But why should Michigan lay out $5 million now, as opposed to a couple of years from now, when the question of constitutionality is more settled? In fact, there may be a new justice on the court by then, appointed by President Gore. Another reason--and perhaps a decisive one--for Engler to make sure Michigan winds up in the GOP column in November. School choice just may be too important to run on this year.

Contributing Editor John J. Miller (millerjj@aol.com) is apolitical reporter for National Review.