Published: June 10, 2008 11:16 pm         

Political dreams? Tanoos says no

Vigo superintendent approached about running for state schools chief

TERRE HAUTE — Dan Tanoos said he’s been approached by several influential people about running for state superintendent of public instruction on the Democratic ticket.

At this time, however, he’s happy staying in Terre Haute and serving as superintendent of the Vigo County School Corp., he said Tuesday.

Among those who have contacted him are Dan Parker, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party; the Indiana State Teachers Association; and Jill Long Thompson, Democratic candidate for governor, Tanoos said Tuesday.

“I told them all I was flattered by their interest in me running … but I’m not interested in running for that position at this time,” Tanoos said. “I feel I have a number of reasons to stay in Vigo County, one of which is, obviously, I love my job here.”

He also discussed it with his family, and they agreed the timing was not right. Tanoos said his son is in college here, and his family, church and friends are here.

During the Republican Party state convention, delegates nominated Tony Bennett to be that party’s candidate for state superintendent. He is superintendent of Greater Clark County Schools. In its June 9 edition, Indiana Education Insight wrote about the state superintendent’s race and speculation about who Bennett’s competition will be in November.

It reported that on the Democratic side, a “battle is shaping up behind the scenes” for the Democratic nomination, with several possible candidates seeking the spot.

“The latest speculation centers around Vigo County Schools Superintendent Danny Tanoos, a name that’s well-known in the State Capitol from his appointment by then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon to the Board of Education and for his term on the Education Roundtable.

“Tanoos had long been interested in the top state post (and Demos also tried once to recruit him to run for Congress), but he always demurred, saying privately that he would not run against Dr. (Suellen) Reed,” the publication said.

Reed, a Republican who has served four terms as state superintendent, is not seeking a fifth term.

Indiana Education Insight says that “Democrats are hinting that they expect to unify behind a single person leading up to the state party convention on June 21.” Party leaders and Long Thompson are having talks with prospective candidates, it said.

Tanoos said Tuesday, “I will never rule out ever running for state superintendent or some political office down the road, but the time has to be right.”

Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.

     

Add a comment on this story