2010: Done-bar

As anticipated, Cynthia Dunbar has officially announced that she will not seek re-election to her spot on the State Board of Education.  According to her statement, this allows her to keep a promise to her constituents that she would "get in, get the job done and get out."

Dunbar, currently teaching at Liberty University Law School in Virginia, has been one of the most outspoken conservative board members. She was instrumental in crafting the language mandating that the "strengths and weaknesses" of evolution were taught in state science classes.

She has endorsed her supporter Brian Russell, who is running to replace her.  He will face Rebecca Osborne in the Republican primary.  The winner in that race will face Judy Jennings in the general election.

Here is the complete text of Dunbar's statement:

"It is with a deep sense of accomplishment that I announce I will not be seeking re-election to the State Board of Education.  When I ran in 2006 I was unreservedly outspoken about my conservative views on both government and my goals for office.  My boldness earned me the overwhelming support of all 16 counties within the boundaries of District 10; clearly I was a voice for the majority of my constituents.  I promised them that I would be a statesman and not a career politician and that I would get in, get the job done and get out.  That is exactly what I have done.  I know it is common for politicians to make that promise and then conveniently forget it once they have reached the ranks of popularity and incumbent security.  However, I am satisfied that I have been effective in accomplishing all that I had promised and I intend to keep my word to my constituents.  I have kept my finger on the pulse of my district, which has enabled me to know what they ultimately want and I have not been deterred by minority opposition.   I am tremendously humbled by the overwhelming support I continue to receive but I am confident that District 10 has a candidate in the person of Brian Russell whose ideology matches that of its constituency and who is competent to get the job done on their behalf. Brian has proven himself to be of impeccable character, knowledge, competence and self-sacrificing service to the community.  District 10 will be fortunate to have him as their SBOE representative; he will do the job with excellence. With that knowledge, I can rest in the comfort of knowing I have accomplished all that I set out to do and more and I am assured that my district will be well represented by Brian Russell."