Republicans are doing it; even some Democrats, too. It's called the Chris Christie.

"I want to be the Chris Christie of Connecticut," declares GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley. "Chris Christie is the primo example of how you turn around government," says Scott Walker, vying to run Wisconsin. Mr. Christie's reforms are a "road map" for California, pronounces Meg Whitman. "He tells it like it is, and it's time for that," says Iowa's gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad.

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For those without subscriptions, a flashback video of Christie methodically debunking the 'evil budget cutters want to hurt the children' myth:

Here in Illinois, we are engaging tea party activists and concerned citizens across the state to turn what has become known as the land of Blago and Obama back on the path to prosperity.

If you're an Illinois resident or in the area this fall, get on board!

To learn more check out IllinoisTurnaround.com

This week, the Chicago Tribune endorsed Democratic State Senator Reverend James Meeks' voucher plan that would allow over 35,000 kids in struggling Chicago public school access to a quality education:

Meeks is trying valiantly to shake up the status quo in public education, and we stand with him in that effort. He is pushing a solid plan to create a voucher program for Chicago. The Senate's executive subcommittee on education is set to discuss the bill on Wednesday.

Read the entire piece here. For more on the Institute's work on education reform, click here.