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Democrats Emphasize Embryonic Stem Cell Research in Key Congressional Races

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Democrats are leveraging their support for embryonic stem cell research to sway voters in key congressional races, hoping to capitalize on a perceived divide between conservatives opposed to the science and more moderate Republicans who are open to it. As the issue gains traction in suburban swing districts, Democrats believe it can help them win over voters who are pinning their hopes on the science for treatments and cures. The debate has erupted in several high-profile Senate and House races, including in Missouri, where Senator Jim Talent, a Republican, is facing a tough re-election challenge from Democratic state auditor Claire McCaskill.

Key Takeaways:

  • Democrats are using embryonic stem cell research as a wedge issue in key congressional races, particularly in suburban swing districts.
  • The issue has become a point of contention between conservatives opposed to the science and more moderate Republicans who are open to it.
  • A proposed state constitutional amendment in Missouri to protect stem cell research has thrust Senator Talent into a treacherous Republican crosscurrent, with Christian conservatives threatening to withhold their support if he doesn't take a stand on the issue.
  • Business-minded Republicans like Governor Matt Blunt and former Senator John Danforth back the initiative, citing the science's promise for not only patients but also the state's economy.
  • President George W. Bush has imposed strict limits on tax financing of embryonic stem cell research, but the House defied him last year by voting to loosen those restrictions.
  • Backers of stem cell studies are planning a series of events to press Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist into bringing the measure to a vote.
  • Democrats in seven House races are highlighting the stem cell issue with advertisements distributed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Statistics:

  • The proposed state constitutional amendment in Missouri would permit stem cell studies as long as they remain legal under federal law.
  • Senator Jim Talent is facing a tough re-election challenge from Democratic state auditor Claire McCaskill, with 2,793 residents in Fayette, a central Missouri town, where McCaskill spoke in support of embryonic stem cell research.
  • The House vote to loosen restrictions on tax financing of embryonic stem cell research took place in May 2005.
  • Scientists see hope in embryonic stem cell research for treatments and cures, but opponents view the studies as immoral because the cells are extracted from human embryos.
  • The House voted 238-194 in support of the bill to loosen restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

Sources:

  • Jennifer Duffy, who tracks Senate races for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
  • The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
  • President George W. Bush.
  • Senator Jim Talent.
  • Governor Matt Blunt.
  • Former Senator John Danforth.
  • Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
  • The proposed state constitutional amendment in Missouri.
  • The House of Representatives.
  • Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah.
  • Nancy Reagan, the widow of President Ronald Reagan.
  • Ed Perlmutter, a Democrat running for Congress in the suburbs of Denver.
  • Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele of Maryland.

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