Democrat Rep. Ben Cardin this week is emphasizing his support for embryonic stem cell research as a way to draw stark differences in the U.S. Senate race with his Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, and ailing actor Michael J. Fox is coming to Cardin?s aid.
Steele counterattacked, saying Cardin had voted against alternative types of stem cell research. Steele said he backs the kinds of stem cell research that do not involve destroying the embryo.
In a somber TV ad, Fox, clearly shaking from the Parkinson?s disease, says the stem cell research offers promise for new treatments for diabetes, Alzheimer?s and conditions like his. “But George Bush and Michael Steele would put limits on the most promising stem cell research.” And that?s “why I support Ben Cardin.”
Cardin spokesman Oren Shur said Fox approached the campaign, as he has in a few other states to support candidates who favor the use of embryonic stem cells.
In an Examiner interview Tuesday, Cardin said, “It?s a big issue,” and not just a wedge issue to draw distinctions with Steele. Cardin said that President Bush “divided America on this issue” and his restrictions “mean that we cannot do stem cell research in America.”
“The promise is incredible” for stem cell research not only to stop degenerative diseases but to reverse them, Cardin said. He maintained that researchers are going to leave Johns Hopkins University and other institutions, which are afraid to violate federal guidelines, to head overseas where research is less restricted.
There are several different kinds of cells that can be used in this medical research. Scientists dispute which line of research will produce the most medical advances.
Many conservative and evangelical Christians oppose using fertilized human eggs ? the embryo ? because it is human life, and Steele supports this position.
“I am an enthusiastic supporter of cord blood, adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell research that does not destroy the embryo,” Steele said in a statement.
Cardin said he would like to have an entire debate devoted to the issue, but that will not happen in the three scheduled this week.
