Candidates squabble on stem cells
2006-10-04
Source: Courier News Online
email this
print this
del.icio.us
digg this
rss feedU.S. Sen. Robert Menendez promised to support stem-cell research Tuesday, including studies using human embryos, if elected to a full term and accused his opponent, state Sen. Thomas Kean Jr., of waffling on the emotional issue.
Saying stem-cell research holds the hope for curing debilitating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, Menendez drew a contrast between himself and President Bush, who has limited federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research.
"As George Bush has led the fight against stem-cell research in Washington, Tom Kean Jr. has pulled up the rear guard in Trenton," Menendez said at Rutgers University's Busch Campus. He pointed to Kean's three votes against state funding for a stem-cell research center in New Jersey.
Kean's campaign, however, said the Republican state senator supports embryonic stem-cell research, but opposed "earmarking" money for buildings while the state faced a dire financial situation.
"This is really just Menendez trying to score cheap political points on an issue where he knows that he and Tom share the same position," Kean spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said.
Kean has said he was disappointed that Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded federal support for embryonic stem-cell research. Hazelbaker reiterated that position Tuesday.
Click here to see the full article.
