One of the most conservative candidates for Senate this year released a statement of praise regarding the speech President Obama delivered to school children across the nation today. The White House felt a ton of heat last week from conservatives due to both the speech and follow-up materials distributed to school systems by the Department of Education.

Pat Toomey, a former Republican congressman and former head of Club for Growth, is challenging Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) for the second election in a row. He said today that Obama's message is "exactly" what kids in this country should be hearing.

"Education is the cornerstone of our country's future and it is important that we relay that message to our young students. The President's emphasis on responsibility and the personal stories about his own education are exactly the kind of inspiring messages our children need to hear from our country's leaders.

"I know that I would not have had the opportunities I have today if not for the education I received as a young student. My parents and my teachers instilled in me the importance of hard work and education, and it is a message I try to instill in my own children. It is important that we make sure all students are similarly inspired."