Stem-cell research divides GOP in Missouri

[davidinalameda]

http://www.sacbee.com/24hour/politics/story/3136504p-11845745c.html

The split between social conservatives and moderate Republicans over embryonic stem cells could undermine the re-election chances of a Missouri Republican senator who favors long prison terms for those who conduct some types of research.

A coalition of business leaders and medical research institutions is gathering support for a Nov. 7 ballot initiative that would amend the Missouri constitution to safeguard stem cell research and treatments in the state.

Sen. Jim Talent, who faces a strong challenge in November from Democratic state auditor Claire McCaskill, has declined to take a stand on the measure. But he has co-sponsored a Senate bill to ban embryonic stem cell research and impose a million-dollar fine and 10-year jail sentence on violators.

"If Talent comes out in favor of stem cell research, he loses support from the evangelicals," said Max Skidmore, professor of political science at University of Missouri-Kansas City. "If he opposes it, he'll lose support from the business community that otherwise might support him."

[joeybee12]

1. Good!

Repukes are good at wedge issues, we should use this as one for our side.

[MasonJar]

2. Why do we want this particular Dem? He sounds awful. Come

on, Mo. find another Dem.

[liberalpragmatist]

3. She support stem cell research

Claire McCaskill's a pretty good candidate for the seat.

http://www.claireonline.com

[davidinalameda]

4. go back and read the article again

it's the Repuke that is waffling around on this-the Democrat supports it

[nickinSTL]

5. The Dem, Claire McCaskill, SUPPORTS stem-cell research

it's the incumbent Repub who opposes.

Claire McCaskill is the state auditor, who lost by a slim margin to Matt Blunt for governor in 2004.

With a combination of Bush's and Blunt's increasing unpopularity, and now Talent's opposition to stem-cell research, she has a good chance of beating Talent in November.

[missouri dem 2]

6. It is a big issue to the business community. Both St. Louis and

Kansas City are major centers for scientific research. The Stower's foundation in K.C. has an endowment of over 1 billion dollars and are threatening to move if the initiative does not pass. Boy blunt has already come out in favor which has pissed his fundy base off plenty.