Mitch Landrieu: “I want to again reiterate for the record that at no time, to my knowledge--and I have talked with the Mayor privately; I…”

“I want to again reiterate for the record that at no time, to my knowledge--and I have talked with the Mayor privately; I have heard him speak publicly; I have been at any number of meetings; I have heard his testimony; and I have read his testimony--did he come to the Congress and to the President to ask for voucher money. He came to ask for money for help with his school system and said he would be open to a variety of different suggestions. The administration said--and wisely when we passed Leave No Child Behind--no to vouchers for about 10 or 15 good reasons. It said: Mr. Mayor, we are happy basically to help, but you have to take a portion of this in voucher money.”