Educators could control Senate election, Sadler says Houston Chronicle Copyright 2012 Houston Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 06:49 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2012 The Republicans competing in the July 31 runoff for their party's nomination for U.S. Senate - Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and former Texas solicitor general Ted Cruz - declined invitations, citing schedule conflicts, the education association said. Deann Lee, state vice president and incoming president of the association, said she hoped voters pay attention to which candidates meet with educators. Sadler cited his work on measures including the creation of a health insurance program for teachers, school finance reform and teacher pay raises. Notwithstanding his slam at his opponent for failing to show up, which he made without mentioning Yarbrough's name, Sadler called for a return to civility in public discourse.