SB2 didn't happen in the dead of night. It was the result of an entire session of negotiations. The news media reported these in detail. We posted the information on our official Web site and on our blog site. We passed out the details to all legislators, reporters and the interested public. We made staff available to answer questions. The two chambers and the governor's office were in constant communication. The entire debate is archived online for everyone to witness.

The only way this anti-democratic lawsuit makes any sense is as a campaign stunt. Sixteen of the plaintiffs are currently running for office. Others — like McCoy — are running for leadership positions in their caucus. As the vice chair of the state Democrats recently said, "If some of the plaintiffs on this suit win their elections due to 'earned media' then so be it."

We think that is pathetic. Let the money flow to the teachers and classrooms. We hope our board of directors (aka voting citizens of Utah) will recognize this lawsuit as election-year grandstanding, pure and simple.

We believe that the root cause of the litigation is not so much about process as it is about innovation and change. Public education is a sacred cow for many people. Attempts to modernize, incentivize or test new programs are usually met with resistance.

Knowing we can't please everyone, our goal is to provide a world-class education for Utah's families with the funding available. Sacred cows must be examined for efficiency and new ideas will be piloted where appropriate.

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Sen. Howard Stephenson is a Republican from Draper. Brad Last is a Republican representing Hurricane.