Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Here we go again - Kansas Board (Bored) of Education Elections

The Lawrence Journal World recently reported that there is a distinct possibility that the Fall 2008 elections could swing back in favor of the anti-evolutionists on the Kansas Board of Education. Five of the ten seats are up for re-election and two of the staunchest defenders of evolution and science in general are not seeking re-election. The moderates on the KBE now hold a 6-4 majority but three of them are not seeking re-election along with one ID supporter leaving four open seats..

Here is a run-down of the five seats and the candidates in each district.

District 2: Sue Gamble moderate Republican is stepping down and running for the Kansas state senate.

Candidate 1: Brandon Kenig - Republican conservative -supports teaching of evolution
Candidate 2: Mary Ralstin -Republican - endorsed by the Kansas National Education Association
Candidate 3: Sue Storm - Democrat - endorsed by Kansas National Education Association

District 4: Incumbent Bill Wagnon is stepping down

Candidate 1: Robert Meissner - Republican - supports teaching of Intelligent Design in schools
Candidate 2: Alan Detrich - Republican - runs a website www.spearofjesus.com and artist who depicts dinosaurs and religious themes.
Candidate 3: Carolyn Campbell - Democrat - endorsed by Kansas National Education Association

District 6: Incumbent Kathy Martin supported of ID in schools is running

Candidate 1:Bill Pannbacker - Republican - endorsed by Kansas National Education Association.
Candidate 2:Christopher Renner - Democrat endorsed by Kansas National Education Association.

District 8: moderate Carol Rupe is not seeking re-election

Candidate 1:
Dennis Hedke - Republican - recently particpated in "Global warming alarmists" so you can pretty much guess where he stands on evolution.
Candidate 2: Walt Chappell - Democrat - Stance unknown

District 10: conservative Republican Steve Abrams is running for state senate

Candidate 1:
David Dennis - Republican - strong Catholic - but supports teaching of evolution
Candidate 2: Paul Cassonova - Democrat endorsed by Kansas National Education Association.

I will try and keep things updated as I learn more.





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