The UEA reports covering more than $4,800 in expenses for GOP candidate Rob Stewart, who fell to incumbent Rep. Craig Buttars, R-Lewiston, in the June primary. It also covered $3,400 in expenses for Rep. Dave Hogue, R-Riverton. Following a contentious race, Hogue defeated George Holling, who Parents for Choice in Education supported in a mailer describing Hogue as "too liberal for too long."

Such polished primary-election mailers accounted for more than $20,000 of Parents for Choice in Education's $170,300 in spending. Another $9,500 funded a radio ad for Buttars. Other expenditures include monthly consultant fees, $15,000 for voter identification, and $10,000 to an advertising agency for design work.

Although Parents for Choice in Education had just $17,250 left in its account on Sept. 15, Peterson chuckles when asked if the PAC can fund a final campaign push.

"We will have enough money to meet all our general election needs," she said. "Our purpose and our message is that we need to put parents and kids before unions and bureaucrats. We're going to get that message out and help candidates who believe in that principle in any way that we can."

The group plans to fund more mailers and campaign contributions in key House races.

And the UEA is likely to follow suit, Arnold said.

"When we see . . . candidates supportive of public education that appear to be targeted by these right-wing groups that engage in last-minute negative mailings, we have, and will, respond as appropriate."

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