Ron Taber

Resume: 54 … bachelor’s in history (1965), Washington State University; doctorate in American studies (1969), WSU … founded Parents and Taxpayers for School Choice, which placed voucher initiative on November ballot … former assistant professor at Purdue University and Ithaca College in New York; owned a construction and real estate business; served as state youth director under Gov. Dan Evans … Olympia resident … married; adult son helps run his campaign.

Finances: $414,393 as of July 10.

Why he’s running: Believes liberal educators are driving public school system “right into the ground.”

What he’d do first: Request a performance audit of the superintendent’s office.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: See related story under the headline: 11 candidates fight over future of state schools