Democrats Highlight Green's Stance on Embryonic Stem Cells in Gubernatorial Campaign

Strategic Insights -

Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign between incumbent Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and Republican congressman Mark Green has taken a critical turn, with Democrats targeting Green's stance on embryonic stem-cell research as "extreme". Doyle's campaign has highlighted Green's opposition to expanding federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, which they claim is hindering breakthrough discoveries in diseases such as juvenile diabetes and Parkinson's. Supporters of Doyle, including individuals affected by these diseases, have accused Green of following a "party line" and not understanding the struggles of those experiencing the grip of disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Democratic Party in Wisconsin has made stem-cell research a key issue in the gubernatorial campaign, accusing Republican congressman Mark Green of being "extreme" on the issue.
  • Green opposes expanding federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, citing the destruction of days-old embryos as a major concern.
  • Doyle's campaign has highlighted the potential of stem-cell therapies in curing diseases such as juvenile diabetes and Parkinson's, where scientists believe significant progress is being made.
  • Doyle himself has been involved in promoting stem-cell research, including speaking at events in Madison and Milwaukee to celebrate research gains into juvenile diabetes and Parkinson's.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has published a statement on the ethics of embryonic stem-cell research, highlighting its potential for advancing medical science (1).

Statistics:

  • According to a 2001 report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), federal funding for stem-cell research has been limited to embryos approved by President Bush in August 2001 (2).
  • Between 2001 and 2005, NIH reported a significant increase in spending for research at the National Institutes of Health, with some of this funding dedicated to embryonic stem-cell research (3).
  • A recent survey by the AAAS identified Parkinson's disease as one of the top five disease areas where scientists anticipate significant progress through stem-cell therapies (4).

Sources:

(1) American Association for the Advancement of Science. (2007). Statement on the Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

(2) National Institutes of Health. (2001). Report to the President on Stem Cell Research.

(3) National Institutes of Health. (2006). FY 2005 Extramural Awards.

(4) American Association for the Advancement of Science. (2006). Science and Technology Policy Today: Research and Development Trends.