Obama In Madison: Distraction From NJ & VA Election Results

Obama coaxes states to change with school dollars AP
Obama is visiting Wisconsin, where lawmakers are poised to change a law to boost their state's chances at $5 billion in education grants, the most money a president has ever had for overhauling schools.

Obama Puts Spotlight on Education Grants NYT
The decision to highlight Race to the Top makes political sense for the president: the competition, which has drawn favorable reviews from some Republicans, is already prompting states to change their education practices – even before any money is handed out. Under the draft criteria for the competition, states must not prohibit the use of student achievement data in evaluating teacher performance.

Obama to spotlight education reform efforts Washington Post
President Obama on Wednesday will highlight education reform efforts in 10 states where governors and lawmakers are maneuvering for a piece of the $4.35 billion to be awarded in the "Race to the Top" competition that will begin in the next several weeks.