Michelle Rhee's Illegal, Draconian Methods of Running D.C. Schools

have gotten her into an ocean of hot water, so now she believes she needs to have "help" in restoring her shattered image:

Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee, whose image has been frayed by a series of high-profile news controversies, is turning to former White House communications director and veteran Democratic media consultant Anita Dunn for help.

A D.C. schools spokeswoman confirmed Friday that the agency is negotiating a contract with Dunn's firm, Squier Knapp Dunn. The objective is to more effectively handle the heavy load of local and national news media attention that Rhee attracts and to help roll out major stories to greater strategic advantage. The spokeswoman said Dunn has devoted time to District school issues but would not elaborate.

Dunn is expected, however, to assist with an announcement of the long-awaited labor contract between the District and the Washington Teachers' Union, which could be finalized in the next few weeks.

Not that anything can help Rhee's image at this point. And, as is being asked, WHO is financing this?

There appears to be conflict of interest galore with Dunn and the White House, by the way.