Evolution Opponents Lose in Kan. Primary

Larry Selk ponders his decision before casting his vote at Topeka Fire Station No. 2 Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006, in Topeka, Kan. Voter turnout was lighter than usual for the Kansas primary. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel - AP)

Proponents of Kansas' latest standards contend they encourage open discussion.

"Students need to have an accurate assessment of the state of the facts in regard to Darwin's theory," said John West, a vice president for the Center for Science and Culture at the Seattle-based, anti-evolution Discovery Institute.

The standards say that the evolutionary theory that all life had a common origin has been challenged by fossils and molecular biology. And they say there is controversy over whether changes over time in one species can lead to a new species.

Three incumbent conservatives faced primary foes Tuesday, and there was a contested GOP race for the seat held by a retiring conservative. A pro-evolution Democratic incumbent also had a challenger.

With almost all the votes counted early Wednesday, pro-evolution Republican Jana Shaver picked off a conservative incumbent and won the primary for the open seat.

Conservative Republican John Bacon kept his seat by besting two pro-evolution challengers, as did another conservative incumbent, Ken Willard. Janet Waugh, a Kansas City Democrat who opposed the new standards, easily defeated a more conservative Democrat who favored the anti-evolution language.

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On the Net:

Kansas science standards: http://www.ksde.org/outcomes/sciencestd.pdf