Independent gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn today accused GOP Governor Rick Perry of dismantling public schools in favor of vouchers.

The Republican state comptroller says Perry is seeking private school vouchers as the answer to education problems.

Strayhorn's attack on Perry came after her Austin speech to the nonpartisan Texas IAF Network.

The grass-roots organization works on issues affecting the state's poor and working class.

A Perry campaign spokesman didn't immediately return a call to The Associated Press for comment.

Perry has long said he favors a pilot program dedicating some taxpayer money for private school vouchers for children in failing public schools.

But the governor earlier this week said he likely wouldn't place that agenda on this spring's special session on school finance.

Governor

Republican

Rick Perry (I)
Click Here For Rick Perry’s Campaign Web Site

Larry Kilgore

Star Locke

Rhett R. Smith

Democratic

Chris Bell
Click Here For Chris Bell’s Campaign Web Site

Bob Gammage
Click Here For Bob Gammage’s Campaign Web Site

Rashad Jafer