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PHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona senator known for her creationist views has been named chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee.
The Arizona Republic reports (http://bit.ly/1ZnMXGe ) that Senate President Andy Biggs named Sen. Sylvia Allen, a Republican from Snowflake, to the post. She will replace Kelli Ward, who resigned from the Senate earlier this month.
Allen has attracted attention for controversial public comments, including stating that the Earth is 6,000 years and suggesting mandatory church attendance.
Allen graduated from Snowflake High School and did not attend college. She is the co-founder of a charter school in Snowflake.
As chairwoman, she will control which legislative education proposals succeed and which died.
Sen. Steve Farley, a Tucson Democrat who criticized Allen's church comment, says he thinks she'll do a pretty good job despite her "interesting comments."
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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com
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