Spotty Support Greets Bachmann in Cedar Falls

Get the federal government out of education.

That's what Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann told a crowd of mostly college students at the University of Northern Iowa today.

"We have the value in Iowa," she said. "We don't need the federal department of education."

Bachmann spoke for more than 30 minutes before taking questions from the audience of over 300, which nearly filled Bengtson Auditorium on campus.

In answers to numerous audience questions, many of which focused on funding cuts to programs including early education and music programs, Bachmann repeatedly stressed her opinion that states and local communities should be making decisions on how their schools are run - and they should be funding their own schools as well.

"It costs Iowa school districts far more to comply with federal mandates than they get in federal money," she said.

The audience seemed to be split on whether to support Bachmann's statements or be skeptical of them. The room broke into applause several times, both in response to pointed questions challenging her views and in response to her answers.

The forum, moderated by Iowa Public Radio’s Ben Keiffer, host of The Exchange, will be broadcast Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. It launched UNI's Presidential Candidate Education Forums, "Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities in Education Today," in which candidates will discuss their positions on education.

Rick Santorum will attend the forum Dec. 9.

After today's session, a small clump of students lingered in the hall to discuss what they had heard.

"She talks a lot about cutting state money. I agree with her that states should have more control, but given the current situation, I don't think any state would make it," said sophomore Leah Schmidt, 19.

UNI Provost Gloria Gibson stopped to talk with the students.

"I'm glad you're all here today, because these are very important issues that will really effect your lives," she said. "Having this kind of dialogue is very important."

Many of the students in the audience, including junior Antonio Garza, 21, said they probably wouldn't participate in the Republican caucus.

"I'm left-leaning, but the political process is still something you should take part in," he said.

Not all the attendees were students, and many who said they would caucus said they weren't sure yet who to support.

Elda Watson, 79, of Waterloo, was one. At this point, what would it take to win her over?

"A miracle, I think," she said.