U.S. Report

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Rep. James Moran (D-Va.) told local Democratic officials that Jewish organizations will raise money and take over a campaign to defeat him.

Moran was chastised last month for saying the Jewish community is behind the Bush administration's push for war in Iraq.

He told the Alexandria, Va., Democratic Committee on Monday that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee is raising $2 million for a campaign against him, including fund-raising in Florida, and will "take over" efforts to defeat him.

Moran told the Washington Post that he was relaying what he had heard from a House colleague.

Education head asked to apologize

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- More Jewish groups and lawmakers are calling for Secretary of Education Roderick Paige

to apologize for recent

remarks about Christian schools or resign.

Twelve congressmen, including six members of the Jewish caucus, have signed a letter expressing disappointment with comments Paige made earlier this week, when he said he preferred to send his children to Christian schools because of their value system.

Public schools have "so many different kids with different kinds of values," he said. Paige has clarified his remarks, but said he would not apologize.

The Anti-Defamation League on Thursday said Paige's clarification had reaffirmed his commitment to public schools, adding, "We are confident that Mr. Paige will be more sensitive to this in the future.