Charles Darwin Challenges Rep. Paul Broun, from the Grave

Charles Darwin, the father of the science of evolution, can't speak for himself or run for Congress because he's not alive (and not an American citizen). But a University of Georgia scientist hopes supporting Darwin in a write-in campaign can help get Rep. Paul Broun booted from his position on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

UGA plant biologist Jim Leebens-Mack has started a Facebook page promoting Darwin as a fantasy alternative to Broun, who was recorded last month dismissing evolution and the Big Bang theory as "lies straight from the pit of hell."

Leebens-Mack told the Associated Press that the write-in campaign isn't serious, but the AP reports people behind the movement hope enough support could goad Congressional leaders to reduce Broun's influence over science policy. (There's also a petition seeking to accomplish the same thing.)

Broun is running unopposed in Georgia's 10th Congressional District after defeating a Republican challenger in the July 31 primary.

The AP story also quotes conservative radio host Neal Boortz saying that Broun's commentary "makes Republicans look like knee-dragging, still-tending, tobacco-spitting Neanderthals."

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