MADISON, Wis. (WHBL) - State Assembly Republican Don Pridemore says he would strengthen ties between public schools and employers – and make the state’s education agency more of a friend to G-O-P Governor Scott Walker. Pridemore, one of the Legislature’s strongest conservatives, is announcing his candidacy for state public school superintendent today in several appearances around the state. Pridemore, an eight-year veteran in the Assembly, is the first to announce a run against incumbent school Superintendent Tony Evers next spring. Pridemore vowed to take a quote, “common sense, conservative” approach to education – but he refused to answer specific policy questions, like whether he would push for private school vouchers statewide instead of just in Milwaukee County and Racine. He says those details would come out later in the campaign. The Legislature and governor would have to approve any major education initiatives. But Pridemore’s fellow Republicans currently have the majorities in both houses to pass anything they want, as long as their party’s governor does not object. Pridemore said Evers is heavily supported by the state’s largest teachers’ union – and he says his only special interest is the children. Evers has not commented, and the union says it has not decided who it will support.