Oregon Public Broadcasting

Of the many statewide offices on Oregon's May primary ballot, voters will decide the final outcome of just one. The race for state schools superintendent includes just two candidates.

State Representative Ron Maurer is trying to unseat two-term incumbent Susan Castillo.The two debated Friday at the Salem City Club.

It ís a non-partisan office, but Castillo is a former Democratic lawmaker and Maurer is a Republican. Maurer criticized Castillo's leadership of schools. After failing to win a grant in the federal "Race to the Top" program, the state didn't even apply for a second round.

Ron Maurer: "It is important as a leader that you are willing to take the heat when you donít rise to the challenge."

Castillo portrayed Maurer as out of touch with Oregon values. She said Maurer was against the two budget-balancing tax hikes that voters approved in January.

Susan Castillo:"I saw what could happen to our schools if those didnít pass and I was a champion for helping to pass those ballot measures in our state. My opponent opposed that funding."

Castillo has far out-paced Maurer when it comes to fundraising.

With just two candidates in the race, the victor will be determined in this monthís primary, with no run-off in November.