The New York Times: on Education

Thom Tillis: Department of Education is 5,000 overpaid bureaucrats

"I'm not willing to settle just for a national standard if we think we can set a new standard and a best practice," Tillis said, pivoting to an attack on the federal Education Department as "a bureaucracy of 5,000 people in Washington" who make an average salary of over $100,000.

While criticizing the Education Department is common among Republicans, Tillis was standing next to the younger brother of President George W. Bush, whose signature accomplishments include No Child Left Behind, the sweeping federal education law run by the department.

Bush sensed the need to play down any differences: "We can argue about what to call these things," he said, but maintained that the focus ought to be on ensuring high standards.

Jeb Bush: I won't run from Common Core, even if GOP does

"We need to elect candidates that have a vision that is bigger and broader, and candidates that are organized around winning the election, not making a point," Bush told an audience at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. "Campaigns ought to be about listening and learning and getting better. I do think we've lost our way." He added, "I'm not being critical of my party, but campaigns themselves are reflective of this new America."

He made clear he would not shrink from views scorned by the dominant wing of the party. He defended his commitment to the so-called Common Core set of educational standards. "I just don't feel compelled to run for cover when I think this is the right thing to do for our country," he said.