Anne Holton: The Liberal Puppet Master Behind the Scenes

Anne Holton, wife of Senator Tim Kaine, former Virginia Secretary of Education, and daughter of former Virginia Governor Linwood Holton, is a name that might not ring a bell for many. But make no mistake, she's a key player in the liberal agenda, pulling strings and pushing policies that have left conservatives shaking their heads. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1958, Holton has been a fixture in the political landscape for decades, wielding influence in education and beyond. Her tenure as Virginia's Secretary of Education from 2014 to 2016 was marked by a series of controversial decisions that have had lasting impacts on the state's education system.

First up, let's talk about her push for the infamous Common Core standards. Holton was a staunch advocate for these federally mandated education standards, which many argue strip local control from schools and impose a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Critics have long pointed out that Common Core lowers the bar for students, stifles teacher creativity, and turns classrooms into test-prep factories. Yet, Holton championed these standards, ignoring the outcry from parents and educators who wanted more autonomy and flexibility in their schools.

Then there's her role in the expansion of charter schools in Virginia. While charter schools can offer innovative approaches to education, Holton's approach was anything but conservative. She pushed for increased funding and support for these schools, often at the expense of traditional public schools. This move was seen as a way to undermine public education and funnel taxpayer dollars into privately run institutions. Conservatives argue that this approach creates an uneven playing field and diverts resources away from the students who need them most.

Holton's influence doesn't stop at education. She's also been a vocal advocate for expanding Medicaid in Virginia, a move that many conservatives see as a step towards socialized medicine. Her push for Medicaid expansion was part of a broader effort to increase government involvement in healthcare, a move that has been met with resistance from those who believe in free-market solutions. By expanding Medicaid, Holton and her allies have increased the state's reliance on federal funding, putting Virginia's financial future in jeopardy.

Let's not forget her involvement in the 2016 presidential campaign. As the wife of Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton's running mate, Holton was thrust into the national spotlight. She used this platform to promote a progressive agenda, advocating for policies that many conservatives view as detrimental to the country's future. Her support for Clinton's campaign was seen as an endorsement of the liberal status quo, further cementing her reputation as a key player in the left's political machine.

Holton's influence extends beyond policy and politics. She's also been a vocal critic of school choice, a cornerstone of conservative education reform. By opposing school choice, Holton has aligned herself with the teachers' unions and other special interest groups that prioritize their own agendas over the needs of students and families. Her opposition to school choice is seen as a way to maintain the status quo and keep power in the hands of bureaucrats rather than parents.

In the realm of higher education, Holton has been a proponent of free college tuition, a policy that many conservatives argue is fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable. By advocating for free college, Holton is pushing for increased government control over higher education, a move that could lead to lower quality and less innovation in the long run. Conservatives believe that free college is nothing more than a pipe dream that would burden taxpayers and fail to address the root issues facing higher education.

Anne Holton's legacy is one of controversy and division. Her policies and positions have left a lasting impact on Virginia and beyond, shaping the political landscape in ways that many conservatives find troubling. Whether it's her support for Common Core, her push for Medicaid expansion, or her opposition to school choice, Holton has consistently championed a liberal agenda that prioritizes government control over individual freedom. As conservatives continue to fight for their values, Anne Holton remains a formidable opponent, wielding influence and power behind the scenes.