The use of a red apple as a symbol for public education is fairly well-known. And the use of the “Apple Card” for voting suggestions is a time-honored tradition for NCAE and affiliates to display endorsements of pro-public education candidates for local, state, and national elections.

It is no surprise that Michele Morrow is trying to co-opt the image. A woman who has never taught in public schools, served in any capacity as a parent in an NC public school, or sent her children to an NC public school is trying to show her “connection” to public education.

There will be people who make the claim that posting a copy of Morrow’s campaign poster on this blog is giving her more audience.

Sure, but that doesn’t mean it is a positive. When more people see the threat that Morrow poses as the possible top education officer for an 11 billion dollar budget, they may become more encouraged to vote against her than just staying on the sidelines in November.

Furthermore, if one just looks more closely at that apple and its metaphorical reflection on Morrow’s campaign poster, then it becomes apparent that her apple has more than meets the eye.

In a word, it’s rotten.

And a rotten apple can spoil the whole bunch.