posted on October 19, 2004 03:22:54 PM new
Oct 19, 5:21 AM EDT
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has endorsed a $3 billion bond measure that would fund human embryonic stem cell research, a move that bucks Republican leaders and threatens to further strain the state's budget.
"California has always been a pioneer," Schwarzenegger said Monday. "We daringly led the way for the high-tech industry and now voters can help ensure we lead the way for the biotech industry."
The endorsement of the stem cell research measure comes at some political risk for the governor, who campaigned against California going deeper into debt when he unseated Gray Davis as governor in last year's recall election.
The endorsement also will put Schwarzenegger at odds with the state Republican Party, which officially opposes Proposition 71, and perhaps the Bush administration, which has limited federal funding of the research.
"It's a surprise given the economic challenges facing the state," said Jack Pitney, a political scientist at Claremont McKenna College who is voting against the measure. "Social conservatives might be unhappy, too, but he was never their favorite anyway."
Schwarzenegger has said he supports stem cell research. His father-in-law, Sargent Shriver, is in the early grips of Alzheimer's disease, which supporters of the measure say could someday be treated with stem cells.
If the measure is passed, it would provide California researchers with nearly $300 million annually for 10 years but cost a total of $6 billion to pay back. The proposition also would fund cloning projects intended solely for medical research.
Schwarzenegger's endorsement Monday of a separate ballot proposal to dump political party primaries also marks a break with California's GOP. Under the proposal, the two top primary finishers would advance to a general-election runoff, regardless of party affiliation. It would not alter presidential elections.
posted on October 19, 2004 10:14:19 PM new
Maybe in the fact Arnold is a high profile personality, this will give an extra push for the funding and acceptance of stem cell research.
Bigots are miserable people. Prevent Bigotry through Education.
posted on October 20, 2004 11:47:54 AM new
I sometimes think Californian's get what they deserve.
They vote out gray davis because he's put them so much in debt they can't see daylight. Then now they're willing to vote for a bill that will cost them $6 billion dollars, while they're being forced to close schools, lose state and local programs the public needs.
VERY stupid move IF it gets approved.
---------
SJ Mercury News yesterday
Schwarzenegger campaigned heavily against California going deeper into debt when he unseated Gray Davis as governor in last year's recall election. Voters have already approved a Schwarzenegger-backed $15 billion bond measure in March to refinance California's debt.
If Proposition 71 is passed, it would provide California researchers with nearly $300 million annually for 10 years but cost a total of $6 billion to pay back.
The state Republican Party officially opposes Proposition 71. The Bush administration hasn't taken a position on the California measure, but it has severely restricted funding of the research.
"It's a surprise given the economic challenges facing the state," said Jack Pitney, a political scientist at Claremont McKenna College who is voting against the measure. "Social conservatives might be unhappy, too, but he was never their favorite anyway."
Schwarzenegger's father-in-law, Sargent Shriver, is in the early grips of Alzheimer's disease, which Proposition 71 supporters say could someday be treated by stem cells.
Proposition 71 would also fund cloning projects intended solely for medical research. Even though the measure specifically bans funding of cloning to make babies, opponents are still aghast that human embryos, no matter how microscopic, will be created with taxpayer funds.
------------
This is exactly how CA got into the financial mess they did. Spend, spend, spend. Then complain there's not enough money to pay for much needed day-to-day public services. [shaking my head here....they won't ever learn]
posted on October 20, 2004 09:32:26 PM new
Just call her Flipper, Flipper. Faster then lightening, no one can see.
Well linda,
"Then now they're willing to vote for a bill that will cost them $6 billion dollars, while they're being forced to close schools, lose state and local programs the public needs."
Wouldn't that be THEIR choice? You seem to relish in the fact certain states have voted to ban Gay Marriage, but now when another state has the chance to vote on a popular issue, you get pissed. Boo hoo linda.
Also, I though that you were the one who was against all of these public funded programs, calling them socialist. Now you seem to have a quick concern about them. Why is that?
Bigots are miserable people. Prevent Bigotry through Education.
posted on October 21, 2004 05:21:07 AM new
That is been the desire of President Bush, that the states decide if they want stem cell research, it should be noted that there will be no federal funds in this program.
It will have to pass the vote and it will let Arnold know where he stands.... if it passes with his endorsement, then you can expect more years of Gov. Arnold...
AIN'T LIFE GRAND...
Prevent Bigotry through Education.