Stem Cell Issue Can Damage The Republican Party

[ruggerson]

We've been looking for a cultural wedge issue which splits the Republicans down the middle.

It's stem cells.

There should be a ballot initiative in every state (especially red states and swing states)to add the right to stem cell research to that state's constitution.

Strategically, this is the single most important thing we can do for '06 and '08.

It will demoralize the Republican "base" and it will energize ours.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/national/12stemcell.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


Stem Cell Proposal Splits Missouri G.O.P.


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 12, 2006

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., March 11 (AP) — A ballot proposal promoting embryonic stem cell research is turning conservatives against one another in Missouri and threatening to tear apart the state Republican Party at the height of its modern-day influence.

The measure — sponsored by a coalition of medical groups, researchers, businesses and advocates for patients — would make Missouri the only state besides California to include the right to stem cell research in its state constitution. Partly by pulling together business interests with religious conservatives opposed to abortion and same-sex marriage, Republicans in Missouri have surged in the past five years, winning the governor's office and control of both houses of the Legislature for the first time since the 1920's. The party also holds both of the state's Senate seats.

But the debate over embryonic stem cell research is breaking up the partnership. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports the ballot measure, for example, while Missouri Right to Life vehemently opposes it.

Republicans like Gov. Matt Blunt and John C. Danforth, a former senator and United Nations ambassador who is an ordained Episcopal priest, are backing the measure. In response, Missouri Right to Life has declared that Mr. Blunt, who is not on the ballot until 2008, is no longer "pro-life."

(more)

[sui generis]

1. I would add no stem cells of ANY kid, not even embryonic

because technically two stem cells could become an egg and a sperm and make a baby . . .

and you know, the stupid ones are just stupid enough to buy it.

I would also add some floral language to the bill like, if you get sick it's god's will that you die, so that everyone who claims to know what god's will is will suddenly be having talk shows with god.

[ruggerson]

2. Umm, our side is sponsoring this

It is a PRO stem cell research amendment to the Missouri state constitution.

The effect it has politically is to split the Republicans right down the middle and it demoralizes the anti choice crowd.

[sui generis]

6. I got it

I think both strategies are divisive, particularly if you phrase it as insanely as possible.

Really rugger - didja think I would be serious about something like that? ;)

[AX10]

3. kick

[ruggerson]

7. kick n/t

[sandyd921]

4. Not a bad idea

I like it. It would very likely split them. How many among repubs (and the general population) do you suppose have a life-threatening condition or have close relatives or friends who have a life-threatening condition for which stem cell research could lead to a cure? And who doesn't feel vulnerable to the possibility of cancer or alzheimer's? It's only the die-hard, crazies of the self-labeled pro-lifers who would deny the benefits of promising treatments that could result from stem cell research (hmm, not really very pro-life, is it?). If we had measures like this on ballot in lots of states the extreme positions of the so-called pro-lifers would be revealed for what they are: anti-science and ultimately, anti-life.

[Coastie for Truth]

5. I support stem cell research

I share a life threatening disease with a large segment of the population (TYPE II DIABETES) - a silent killer. My birth religion has issued a "fatwa" or "responsa" or "statement of canon law" permitting stem cell research . Therefore banning stem cell research is an unconstitutional "establishment of religion" and denies me my "freedom of religion."

I voted for it here in CA, campaigned, contributed, and now the religious kooks are trying to stop it.

[ruggerson]

8. Stem Cell research is supported by an overwhelming majority of the public

Ballot initiatives would be extremely popular.

They would serve to do to the Republicans what they have been trying to do to us on gay marriage.

Strategically, this is something Rove would be doing if he were on our side.

So, why aren't there ballot initiatives in every state?

Is it because we can't fight as smartly as they can?