Texas Senate Rejects Creationist As Chairman of State Board of Education

The Texas state Senate on Thursday rejected the governor's nomination of Republican Don McLeroy to be chairman of the State Board of Education, according to yesterday's Dallas Morning News. McLeroy is currently serving as chairman under an interim appointment. A two-thirds majority was required to approve the nomination, and the vote was one short--19-11 to confirm. McLeroy-- who believes in creationism and who does not believe global warming is taking place-- has been criticized for trying to promote his religious views on curricular issues. McLeroy denies that he has pressed his views in the consideration of education policy. McLeroy supporter Sen. Steve Ogden accused Democrats of applying a religious test in rejecting the nomination. (See prior related posting.) [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]