With recent shifts in stem cell support, voters could be confused by each candidate's political rhetoric laced with scientific information in their campaigns. Traditionally, Republicans have not supported government funding of stem cell research, but U.S Rep Mark Green has taken a more progressive approach after announcing a $25 million plan to fund adult stem cell research.
Both Green, R-Green Bay, and incumbent Gov. Jim Doyle have laid out different plans on this hot-button issue citing moral, ethical and scientific reasons.
Doyle recently announced an agreement with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation to give free patents to non-profit and academic institutions and provide financial incentives in order to lure research companies to Wisconsin. Doyle's campaign said this is part of an effort to capture 10 percent of the stem cell market by 2015. Doyle also extends his support to the new Wisconsin Discovery Institute.
Green has released his own plan supporting research done on adult stem cells that are not destroyed in experiments, and has garnered support from more moderate Republicans.
Bob Delaporte, a spokesperson for the Republican Party of Wisconsin said, ""Green wants to make sure taxpayer money is not going for unethical research. The truth is all of the breakthroughs have been done on adult stem cells.""
However, UW-Madison assistant professor of ophthamology and visual science David M. Gamm said stem cell research should not be restricted in any form.
""It is a common misconception that adult stem cells and embryonic ones are one in the same,"" Gamm said. ""Passing legislation that prohibits one or the other is not good science and short-sided. That is a smokescreen and that raises red flags on a candidate that puts forth that opinion. Either that candidate is ill-informed or they're trying to smooth talk something.""
When asked about Green's proposal, UW-Madison professor of ophthamology and visual science Ronald E. Kalil said the proposed $25 million to further adult stem cell research is a good effort, but lacks certain benefits of embryonic stem cells.
""There is little controversy that embryonic stem cells have certain advantages that adult stem cells don't,"" Kalil said.
Gamm cautions the public to be wary of the candidates' political agendas. Both sides, according to Gamm, can manipulate scientific facts to influence the public and obtain their votes.
""Most people know that all stem cells are not the same,"" Gamm said, ""but these things are ripe for manipulation because it is easy to have people believe what you want them to believe if you have enough air time on a commercial. What you chose to say or leave out can definitely influence voters.""
