House Minority Whip Roy Blunt, originally uploaded by Rob Bluey.

Rep. Roy Blunt (R.-Mo.) has come a long way with bloggers since his run for Republican leader in January 2006. Last month, I noted some of the strides he’s made. Now he’s following through on some of his promises.

Blunt recently distanced himself from the Bush Administration on No Child Left Behind, stepping forward as a co-sponsor of the A-PLUS Act, which gives states great flexibility and reduces Washington role in education.

Today I asked him what he thought what might come of the debate over No Child Left Behind’s reauthorization — currently being crafted by Sen. Teddy Kennedy (D.-Mass.) and Rep. George Miller (D.-Calif.). Blunt sounded a cautious note. He said he’s concerned the Bush Administration will make a real effort to work with Kennedy and Miller to come up with a bill. “That means a worse bill than the current bill,” Blunt said.

I also wondered if Education Secretary Margaret Spellings had reached out to Blunt on the issue. Blunt said the two hadn’t spoken since the bill was introduced on March 15. I find that somewhat disturbing. When the No. 2 Republican in the House openly revolts against the Bush Administration’s signature education achievement and Spellings doesn’t respond, it sends a signal that the White House simply doesn’t care about conservative concerns on education reform.