Turn on your TV to any news station, and you are reminded that the 2012 presidential election is near.  As more and more Republican candidates throw their hats into the ring to vie for their party's nomination, families across the country wonder, "Where do the candidates stand on school choice?" 

If the American Federation for Children (AFC) has its way, the American voters will soon find out!    The organization called on the 2012 presidential candidates (including President Obama) to provide their views on educational choice by completing the AFC's 2012 Presidential Candidate Survey.

While the vast majority of education laws are determined by the states, the commander-in-chief's education platform greatly influences the policies of governors and state legislators from coast-to-coast.   Electing a president that is strong on adequately educating America's future generations, and providing school options where the schools are not meeting the needs of students, will greatly dictate the myriad laws enacted in the state houses. 

"The next President of the United States will have significant influence over the trajectory and substance of education policy in our nation," said John Schilling, AFC chief operating officer. "Voters need to know which candidates will support expanding educational options so that every child has access to a quality education."

The questions posed to the candidates include gauging the candidate's support of various parental choice options, the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships, competitive grants, vouchers for military families, special needs scholarships, and the Race to the Top program.