Republicans are no longer the only ones facing a crowded primary field in the race for the state's top education job.

This week, two Democrats announced their intention to enter the superintendent of education race.

The newcomers - Jim Rex and Edward Murray - join Columbia education policy consultant Cecil Taliaferro in the suddenly crowded Democratic field.

Five Republicans and one Libertarian also are vying for the chance to succeed Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum, a Democrat who is not seeking a third term in office.

According to published reports, Rex informed the state House Democratic Caucus last week of his intent to run.

The Winnsboro resident has held a multitude of upper-level positions at universities across the state. From February 2000 to his retirement in June 2001, he was president of Columbia College.

Murray, who teaches physics at Lower Richland High School, said he hopes to share his ideas via a series of weekend walks around the state. He plans to organize a "Moving Education" hike April 8-14 as a way to build name recognition.

The five Republicans seeking the post are Karen Floyd, a Spartanburg public relations executive who has the support of the state's top Republican elected officials; Robert Staton, chairman of the S.C. Education Oversight Committee; Wando High School Assistant Principal Mike Ryan, Charleston real estate agent Elizabeth Moffly and Lexington County computer programmer Kerry Wood. Timothy Moultrie, a high school history teacher in Columbia, announced in January that he would enter the race as a Libertarian candidate.

The filing period for the election ends March 30. Primary elections will be June 13, with a primary runoff scheduled for June 27. The general election takes place Nov. 7.

Reach Mindy B. Hagen at mhagen@postandcourier.com or 937-5433.