religious right has long coveted control of the Texas State Board of Education ... [drive "intelligent design" into schools?]

Texas School Board Showdown | By Frederick Clarkson | Mon Feb 25, 2008

The religious right has long coveted control of the Texas State Board of Education. There are many reasons, but one of them is the disproportionate influence of Texas in purchasing textbooks. For decades, Texas-based religious right activists have wielded national influence in because of the sheer purchasing power of the Texas schools. The state board has say over what books will be approved for use in the state's public schools, and the religious right has been a powerful lobby. Now, however, the religious right is within striking distance of outright control of the 15 member board.

At stake is control over billions of dollars of the state education budget and trust fund, and how such subjects as history, science, and religion are taught in Texas, and possibly, around the country. In the wake of this year's elections, the state science curriculum is up for review, and there is legitimate concern that creationism and or its kissin' cousin, "intelligent design" will be shoe-horned into the curriculum. ...
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Meanwhile, the Ft. Worth Star Telegrram reports

AUSTIN -- Although little noticed by the public, the race for a local seat on the State Board of Education could lead to a dramatic ideological shift on the panel and -- by extension -- in Texas school policy.

That's the word from several board observers, who say a March 4 primary victory by challenger Barney Maddox over incumbent Pat Hardy for the Fort Worth-area District 11 seat would give social conservatives their first majority on the board. ...