Stem-cell issue gains momentum in homestretch
2006-11-02
Source: Washington Times
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rss feedThe debate over embryonic stem-cell research surged onto the scene in several political races in the final weeks before the election, spurred in part by actor Michael J. Fox's ads on behalf of some Democratic candidates.
But Democrats say they've been chipping away at the issue for more than a year, betting it will make a difference with voters in middle America.
"Stem-cell research has been an issue that we have focused a lot of attention on -- ads, e-mails, mail, Web ads -- for a good 18 months. We have always believed this would be an important issue, particularly in suburban districts," said Sarah Feinberg, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
"Democrats see this as their 'marriage' issue, their wedge," said Tom McClusky, vice president for governmental affairs at the Family Research Council. The fight is on "to prove them wrong," he said.
In July, President Bush issued his first veto to block a bill, approved overwhelmingly by both chambers, that would have overturned his limits on federal support for embryonic stem-cell research. Democratic candidates subsequently have accused Republican opponents of standing in the way of life-saving cures from such research.
Mr. Fox, who has Parkinson's disease, recorded ads for Democratic Senate candidates Claire McCaskill in Missouri and Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin in Maryland, as well as Wisconsin Gov. James E. Doyle, who is running for re-election. The ads caused more ruckus when conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh said Mr. Fox had stopped taking medication to worsen his symptoms for the camera's benefit. Mr. Limbaugh has since apologized.
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