School Vouchers: Workable in the U.S.?

Surprisingly for a social democratic nation, Sweden has adopted school vouchers where students have a choice where they want to study:  http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/03/15/opinion/1194838660912/sweden-s-choice.html

Would it work in the U.S., where teacher unions are powerful obstacles to change?  Probably not in many states, but I think many innovative states would be willing to allow private and parochial schools to compete since many public schools are failing miserably.  The recession will push many states that are cutting educational budgets toward vouchers as a way of containing costs while improving quality.  With many professionals out of work, it would be easy for private schools to hire top talent and train them in teaching methods. 

Like the bank bailout, environmental quality, and gender equality, Sweden has a lot to teach the U.S. -- if it pays attention.  During the global crisis, the U.S. needs all the proven ideas that it can get.