Candidates For N.H. Congressional Seat Debate Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 25 Sep 2008 - 7:00 PDT

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Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.), the incumbent in New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district, and Jennifer Horn, the Republican nominee for the seat, discussed their respective positions on embryonic stem cell research during a debate on Sunday, the Manchester Union Leader reports.

Horn said she would support government funding for stem cell research that does not involve human embryonic stem cells. Horn added that her position is based in science, claiming there has been no "measurable success" in research on embryonic stem cells. Hodes said "right wing extremists" have hindered advances in stem cell research and insisted on the separation of church and state (Beale, Manchester Union Leader, 9/22).

Some Researchers Concerned McCain's Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is 'Waning,' Reuters Reports

In related news, some scientists are concerned that Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain's (Ariz.) support for embryonic stem cell research is "waning," Reuters reports. McCain in a Sept. 15 statement for the Web site sciencedebate2008.com, which is dedicated to science and elections, said that he supports the use of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research but that he believes "clear lines should be drawn that reflect a refusal to sacrifice moral values and ethical principles for the sake of scientific progress."

James Thomson, a stem cell researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle (D) said they are concerned by arguments from stem cell research opponents that advances in nonembryonic stem cell research have made funding for embryonic stem cell research unnecessary. Thomson said that the issue is "too important" to be a "Republican or Democratic issue." He expressed concern that McCain would be "painted into a corner" if he opposes stem cell research during the campaign and be forced to abide by that position if elected (Steenhuysen, Reuters, 9/22).

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