While most Texas Democrats are still cursing House Majority Leader Tom Delay and company for unjustly redrawing district lines, Congressman Chet Edwards, a primary Republican target for ousting, has put the ordeal behind him. Now serving his 14th year in Congress, Edwards is more interested in dealing with issues that affect his current district, as well as looking ahead to additional concerns held by the newly created District 17, of which Texas A&M and Brazos County will be a major component. Edwards announced on Jan. 15 that he will run for the District 17 seat, and in November of this year, A&M students should seize the opportunity to elect not only a former Aggie, but a congressman who has proven his dedication to central Texas and the United States.

There has been much debate recently over whether or not teachers' salaries should be partially based on their students' progress in standardized tests. Many teachers are rightfully outraged by the idea that their incomes may be affected by standardized test scores and childrens' opinions of their classes.