Senate fight over SBOE

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After an emotional battle, the Senate rejected the Governor's nomination for chair of the State Board of Education.

Dr. Don McLeroy has been at the center of the evolution controversy within the SBOE. A conservative activist, McLeroy backed a motion that would require schools to teach evolution as a theory and possibly open the door for the teaching of creationism as well.

That motion sparked controversy that made headlines across the country, with numerous groups rallying the board to oppose it. In the end, the board decided against the theory proposal.

Democratic members of the Senate said McLeroy has earned the board "ridicule" from the nation and has created a divisive atmosphere.

"Texans cannot have confidence in this board if it is embroiled in controversy," said Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin. "Let's ask the Governor to choose another leader."

Sen. Leticia Van De Putte, D-San Antonio accused McLeroy of defying the Legislature. "I believe this board, because of disfunctionality, has become a subject of ridicule for the rest of the nation," she said.

Conservative Republicans, however, came to McLeroy's defense. "Do we want to send the message that if you believe in the Bible, there is no need to apply to the State Board of Education?" said Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan. "I don't think we want to set that precedent."

McLeroy is from the same district as Ogden and the Senator said he is a respectable and qualified candidate for chair.

"To a certain degree its a slur to say someone is not quaified to be on the State Board of Education as chair because the New York Times or The Washington Post criticizes him is ridiculous."

In the end, the Republican led Senate only had 19 votes in favor of McLeroy's nomination. McLeroy needed 21 votes for confirmation.