McCrory calls for more charters, some vouchers

DURHAM -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory avoided a wholesale endorsement of school vouchers at an appearance Tuesday but said he favors more choices, including tax credits for people who home-school their children.

McCrory spoke to about 800 people, roughly three-quarters of them African-American, at Durham's King Park, according to a report today by The Insider, a political newsletter published by The News & Observer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to try some new things. And choice has got to be an option," McCrory said.

The event was sponsored by Partners for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, which supports expanding charter schools and tax-supported vouchers for private schooling.

Democratic opponent Beverly Perdue has attacked McCrory for supporting school vouchers. McCrory has said the attacks exaggerate his support for vouchers.

He told the crowd he favors more charter schools and tax credits for home-school families, The Insider reported. He also endorsed an experimental school voucher program for children with disabilities.

The Charlotte mayor criticized Perdue for attacking him on school vouchers while supporting the state's private college tuition vouchers, which provide $1,900 per year to every North Carolina school graduate attending an in-state private college.

"Why should it be any different for high school, or K through 12?" he asked.

Following the event, Perdue spokesman David Kochman accused McCrory of saying different things to different audiences.

"When Pat McCrory spoke to school administrators, he claimed that he 'never even mentioned the word' vouchers, yet tonight he's ready to 'experiment.' Taking millions of dollars from our public schools is an experiment that would move North Carolina backward," Kochman said in a statement e-mailed to The Insider.

But those attending the event appeared ready for a voucher program, experimental or otherwise.

"I want our next governor to support school choice," the Rev. Osco Gardin Jr. of Monroe repeated six times to applause prior to McCrory taking the stage.