Candidate Positions on Federal
Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

What this Guide Contains:

Welcome to the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) information report on candidate positions. CAMR is committed to lifting the restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and to informing our members on where each candidate stands on this issue. On September 21, 2006 we sent a letter to every candidate for federal office in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This guide contains both the responses from candidates explaining their position as well as information on how incumbent legislators voted on key stem cell bills over the past two years.

A Letter from the Candidates
We sent each candidate a suggested letter which some chose to sign to show their support for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, while others responded with a letter in their own words. When appropriate, we note those who signed the suggested CAMR letter highlighted in green. Signing this letter indicates full support for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. A copy of our suggested letter is available in this report for your information. We also include the full text of letters from candidates who sent us something different than the CAMR letter. Read these responses closely, some candidates may support CAMR's position, while others do not.

SUGGESTED LETTER

Sean Tipton
President
CAMR (Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research)
2021 K Street, NW
Suite 305
Washington , DC 20006

Dear Mr. Tipton,
I believe in the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to end the suffering of 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. I promise to vote in favor of legislation, such as H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research.

Signed

Candidate Signature

Information on Key Votes
We also provide information about how the incumbents, (those legislators who are currently in office and are seeking re-election), voted on key stem cell issues. Because the challengers were not in office and not able to vote, the best way to gather information about their position is to review the letter they sent to CAMR. The key votes that we provide information about in this guide are:


House of Representatives Vote on May 24, 2005:
This was a vote to pass H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act in the House of Representatives. This bill lifts restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. CAMR's position is in favor of this bill and a "yes" vote. The bill passed the House by a vote of 238-194. 

House of Representatives Vote on July 19, 2006:
This was a vote to override the Presidential veto of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, in the House of Representatives. CAMR's position is in favor of the override and a "yes" vote. The vote did not achieve the two-thirds majority necessary to override a veto and so H.R. 810 is blocked from becoming law.

Senate Vote on July 18, 2006:
This was a vote to pass H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act in the Senate. This bill lifts restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. CAMR's position is in favor of this bill and a "yes" vote. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 63-37. 

To see how your Representative or Senator voted on all of the above, please click here.

As we collect data, this section will become very large.  Please use the state drop down menu to refine your search.

Alabama
Alaska
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South Carolina
South Dakota
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Texas
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Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming


ALABAMA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Jo Bonner (R)
Incumbent

2nd District
Terry Everett (R)
Incumbent 

3rd District
Michael Rogers (R)
Incumbent

4th District
Robert Aderholt (R)
Incumbent

5th District
Robert “Bud” Cramer (D)
Incumbent 
Voted for HR810
Voted to override Veto

6th District
Spencer Bachus (R)
Incumbent 

7th District
Artur Davis (D)
Incumbent 
Voted for HR810
Voted to override Veto

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ALASKA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Don Young (R)
Incumbent
Voted for HR810
Voted to Override Veto

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ARIZONA

Senate
Jon Kyl (R)
Incumbent 
 
House
1st District
Richard Renzi (R)
Incumbent 

2nd District
Trent Franks (R)
Incumbent

3rd District
John Shadegg (R)
Incumbent

 

4th District
Ed Pastor (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto

5th District
Harry Mitchell (D)
Challenger
Received following response:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to relay my position on embryonic stem cell research. It is an issue that is very important to me and an issue I've been talking about frequently on the campaign trail.

Today, the Arizona Republic published an op-ed piece I wrote regarding this very issue. I would like to submit it as my response to your inquiry. I've attached the op-ed as it appeared today. You can also view it by visiting the Arizona Republic web site at http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/northeastvalleyopinions/articles/0925sr-mitchell0925.html.  The text of the op-ed is 500 words.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address this important issue.

6th District
Jeff Flake (R)
Incumbent

7th District
Raul Grijalva (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

8th District 
Gabrielle Giffords (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

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ARKANSAS

Senate
No Senate race in 2006. 

House
1st District
Marion Berry (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto

2nd District
Vic Snyder (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto

3rd District
John Boozman (R)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Mike Ross (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto

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CALIFORNIA

Senate
Dianne Feinstein (D)
Incumbent
Co-Author of the Senate Version of HR 810 (S.471)


House
1st District
Mike Thompson (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto

2nd District
Wally Herger (R)
Incumbent

3rd District
Dan Lungren (R)
Incumbent

4th District
John Doolittle (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

5th District
Doris Matsui (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

6th District
Lynn Woolsey (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR 810
Voted to Override Veto

7th District
George Miller (D)
Incumbent
Voted for HR810
Voted to Override Veto

8th District
Nancy Pelosi (D)
Incumbent
Voted to Override Veto

9th District
Barbara Lee (D)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Ellen Tauscher (D)
Incumbent
No Response  

11th District
Jerry McNerney (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

12th District
Tom Lantos (D)
Incumbent
No Response

13th District
Pete Stark (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Stem cell research holds the promise to end the suffering of millions of patients with cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

Therefore, I support federal funding for all forms of embryonic stem cell research.  I commit to vote in favor of legislation, such as HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this vital research.

14th District
Anna Eshoo (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Embryonic stem cell research offers hope to patients and families with such diseases as cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other disorders.

I was an original cosponsor of HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which allows federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and permits researchers to utilize embryos from fertility clinics that would otherwise be discarded.  The bill also brings embryonic stem cell research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ensuring rigorous controls and ethical guidelines on the research that only NIH can implement.

HR 810 passed the House on May 24, 2005 by a vote of 238 to 194, and the Senate on July 18, 2006, by a vote of 63 to 37.  The President vetoed the bill on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, prompting the House to consider a veto override proposal.  A two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress was required to overturn the President's veto.  The veto override failed the House by a vote of 235 to 193. 

The President's veto of HR 810 represents an exercise of political science over real science and must not be allowed to stand.

15th District
Mike Honda (D)
Incumbent
No Response

16th District
Zoe Lofgren (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I support stem cell research as my voting record shows.

17th District
Sam Farr (D)
Incumbent
No Response

18th District
Dennis Cardoza (D)
Incumbent
No Response

19th District
George Radanovich (R)
Incumbent
No Response

20th District
Jim Costa (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

21st District
Devin Nunes (R)
Incumbent 
No Response 

22nd District
Kevin McCarthy (R)
Challenger
No Response

23rd District
Lois Capps (D)
Incumbent
No Response

24th District
Elton Gallegly (R)
Incumbent
No Response

25th District
Howard “Buck” McKeon (R)
Incumbent
No Response

26th District
David Dreier (R)
Incumbent
No Response

27th District
Brad Sherman (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I am writing to inform you that I strongly support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  I was an original cosponsor of HR801, The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, and voted to override President Bush's veto of this legislation.

28th District
Howard Berman (D)
Incumbent
No Response

29th District
Adam Schiff (D)
Incumbent
No Response

30th District
Henry Waxman (D)
Incumbent
No Response

31st District
Xavier Becerra (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

32nd District
Hilda Solis (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

33rd District
Diane Watson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

34th District
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

35th District
Maxine Waters (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

36th District
Jane Harman (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

37th District
Juanita Millender-McDonald (D)
Incumbent
No Response

38th District
Grace Napolitano (D)
Incumbent
No Response

39th District
Linda Sanchez (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

40th District
Ed Royce (R)
Incumbent
No Response

41st District
Jerry Lewis (R)
Incumbent
No Response

42nd District
Gary Miller (R)
Incumbent
No Response

43rd District
Joe Baca (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

44th District
Ken Calvert (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

45th District
Mary Bono (R)
Incumbent
No Response

46th District
Dana Rohrabacher (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

47th District
Loretta Sanchez (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

48th District
John Campbell (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

49th District
Darrell Issa (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

50th District
Brian Bilbray (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

51st District
Bob Filner (D)
Incumbent
No Response

52nd District
Duncan Hunter (R)
Incumbent
No Response

53rd District
Susan Davis (D)
Incumbent
No Response

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COLORADO

Senate 
No Senate race in 2006. 

House
1st District
Diana Degette (D)
Incumbent
Co-authored HR 810
Received following response:
Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to provide treatments and cures for diseases that affect millions of Americans.  Like you, I believe that the federal government should adequately fund this research.  That is why I introduced HR 810, the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act" with my colleague, Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) last year.  This legislation expands the President's current stem cell policy and places strict ethical requirements on the research.  I am committed to allowing science to determine the progress of this research and will continue to work aggressively to ensure that HR 810 is passed into law.

Every day, millions suffer from cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders.  We must do everything in our power to end this suffering as quickly as possible.

2nd District
Mark Udall (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for asking about my position regarding federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. I appreciate having this opportunity to share my views.

I cosponsored H.R. 810, the “Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005,” voted for its passage by the House of Representatives (Roll Call No. 204, May 24, 2005) and voted to override President Bush’s veto of the legislation (Roll Call No. 388, July 19, 2006).

I was disappointed that President Bush chose to veto this important legislation, and especially disappointed that it had too few supporters in the House of Representatives to override that veto.

If I am reelected, I will continue to work to relax the current restrictions on federal funding to support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, and will support legislation (like H.R. 810 that authorizes such research involving embryos that: (1) have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics; (2) were created for the purposes of fertility treatment; (3) were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment and would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded (as determined in consultation with the individuals seeking fertility treatment); and (4) were donated by such individuals with written informed consent and without any financial or other inducements.

Thank you again for asking about my views on this important subject. 

3rd District
John Salazar (D)
Incumbent

4th District
Marilyn Musgrave (R)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Douglas Lamborn (R)
Challenger 
 
6th District
Tom Tancredo (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Ed Purlmutter (D)
Challenger
Received following response:
I am a strong proponent of stem cell research. It is without equivocation that I would support Rep. DeGette and Rep. Castle’s bill (H.R. 810) to further the advancement of this emerging form of bio-medical research.

As of a father of a daughter with epilepsy, this is a very personal topic for my family. So much so that I decided to focus my very first campaign commercial on the topic (to view the ad please visit http://perlmutter2006.com/node/179). Thus, I am disappointed with the President’s decision to use his very first veto on HR 810.

My opponent and I are miles apart on the topic of stem cell research. He would support President Bush’s veto and deny hope for millions of American’s suffering from debilitating medical conditions. It is time we set partisan politics aside and do everything we can to invest in this potentially life-saving research.

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CONNECTICUT

Senate
Joseph Lieberman (I)
Incumbent

House
1st District
John Larson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Joseph Courtney (D)
Challenger 

3rd District
Rosa DeLauro (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

4th District
Christopher Shays
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Christopher Murphy (D)
Challenger
No Response

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DELAWARE

Senate
Tom Carper (D)
Incumbent
No Response

House
1st District
Michael Castle (R)
Incumbent
Co-Authored HR810
Received following response:
As you know, I have been the lead Republican author of letters urging the President to change his stem cell policy, garnering over 200 signatures, as well as the lead Republican author of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement ACtin both the 108th and 109th Congress.  As a leader of the House Republican Moderates, I worked with fellow colleagues includine Representatives Johnson, Kirk and Bass, to secure a vote on the House floor, which took place on May 24, 2005.  As you know, we were successful in gettnig 50 Republicans to vote for this legislation, as well as a number of Committee Chairs-- despite White House opposition and Republican Leadership opposition. I continued my efforts in pushing for Senate passage of this legislation as well, through letters, phone calls and meetings with key Senators.

While I shared everyone's joy in Senate passage of HR810, I also shared the disappointment when President Bush vetoed the legislation the very next day.  I believe this was a very grave mistake.

In moving forward, I plan to continue my efforts to expand the federal embryonic stem cell research policy by working with private foundations and introducing new legislation in the upcoming Congress.  It is my hope to conitue my efforts alongside the Coalition for the Advancemen of Medical Research - so we may educate all Members of Congress about the true promise of this science.

I think it is easy to say, that there is no Republican in the House of Representatives that has worked harder or expended more political capital on this issue than me.  I look forward to continuing to work with you on issues of mutual interest.

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FLORIDA

Senate
Bill Nelson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

House
1st District
Jefferson Miller (R)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
F. Allen Boyd (D)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Corrine Brown (D)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Bob Harms (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

5th District
Virginia Brown-Waite (R)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

6th District
Clifford Stearns (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
John Mica (R)
Incumbent
No Response

8th District
Ric Keller (R)
Incumbent
No Response  

9th District
Michael Gus Bilirakis (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

10th District
C. W. Bill Young (R)
Incumbent
No Response

11th District
Katherine Castor (D)
Challenger
No Response

12th District
Adam Putnam (R)
Incumbent
No Response

13th District
Vernon Buchanan (R)
Challenger
No Response

14th District
Connie Mack (R)
Incumbent
No Response

15th District
Dave Weldon (R)
Incumbent
No Response

16th District
Timothy Mahoney (D)
Challenger
No Response

17th District
Kendrick Meek (D)
Incumbent
No Response

18th District
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R)
Incumbent
No Response

19th District
Robert Wexler (D)
Incumbent
No Response

20th District
Debbie Wasserman-Schulz (D)
Incumbent
No Response

21st District
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R)
Incumbent
No Response

22nd District
Ron Klein (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Alcee Hastings (D)
Incumbent
No Response

24th District
Tom Feeney (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

25th District
Mario Diaz-Balart (R) 
Incumbent
No Response

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GEORGIA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Jack Kingston (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

2nd District
Sanford Bishop (D)
Incumbent 
Received following response:
Thank you for working to expand embryonic stem cell research.  I believe that embryonic stem cell research holds great promise in ending the suffering of tens of millions of people.

As a member of Congress, I continue to support federal funding for and expanded access to embryonic stem cell research.  As you may be aware, I am a co-sponsor of HR810, the Stem Cell Researh Enhancement Act, which moves us forward by expanding federal funding for this important research by reversing current federal policy restricting federal funding to stem cell lines already in existence.  Specifically, HR810 authorizes federally-funded stem cell research on embryos to be discarded from in-vitro fertilization clinics pursuant to prior consent by donors.  It is necessary legislation that balances the need for this important research with the appropriate ethical safeguards and guidelines.

Rest assured that I will continue to work to improve mortality rates and end suffering through the support of this important research.

3rd District
Lynn Westmoreland (R)
Challenger
No Response 

4th District
Henry Johnson (D)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
John Lewis (D)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Thomas Price (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
John Linder (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

8th District
Michael Collins (R)
Challenger
No Response

9th District
Nathan Deal (R)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Charlie Norwood (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

11th District
Phil Gingrey (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

12th District 
Max Burns (R)
Challenger
No Response

13th District
David Scott (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

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HAWAII

Senate
Daniel Akaka (D)
Incumbent
No Response

1st District
Neil Abercrombie (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District 
Mazie Hirono (D)
Challenger
No Response

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IDAHO

Senate
No Senate race in 2006 

House
1st District
Bill Sali (R)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Michael Simpson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

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ILLINOIS

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Bobby Rush (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Jesse Jackson Jr. (D)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Daniel Lipinski (D)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Luis Gutierrez (D)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Rahm Emanuel (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

6th District
Peter Roskam (R)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
Danny Davis (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

8th District
Melissa Bean (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

9th District
Janice Schakowsky (D)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Mark Kirk (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

11th District
Jerry Weller (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

12th District
Jerry Costello (D)
Incumbent
No Response

13th District
Judy Biggert (R)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

14th District
J. Dennis Hastert (R)
Incumbent
No Response

15th District
Tim Johnson (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

16th District
Donald Manzullo (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

17th District
Phil Hare (R)
Challenger
No Response

18th District
Ray LaHood (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

19th District
John Shimkus (R)
Incumbent
No Response

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INDIANA

Senate
Richard Lugar (R)
Incumbent
No Response

House
1st District
Peter Visclosky (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Joe Donnelly (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Mark Souder (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

4th District
Steve Buyer (R)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Dan Burton (R)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Mike Pence (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Julia Carson (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

8th District
Brad Ellsworth (D)
Challenger
No Response

9th District
Baron Hill (D)
Challenger
No Response

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IOWA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Bruce Braley (D)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
David Loebsack (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

3rd District
Leonard Boswell (D)
Incumbent
No Response 

4th District
Tom Latham (R)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Steve King (R)
Incumbent
No Response

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KANSAS

Senate 
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Jerry Moran (R)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Nancy Boyda (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Dennis Moore (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Received following response:
I am a cosponsor of HR810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement ACt, and voted to override the President's veto because I believe the potential to improve lives with stem cell research is too great to dismiss.

The potential human health and scientific benefits of stem cell research are staggering in their promise.  I believe that with greater federal support American scientists will be able to harness this groundbreaking technology to save many lives and improve the quality of others.
Dennis Moore
 
4th District
Todd Tiahrt (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

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KENTUCKY

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Edward Whitfield (R)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Ron Lewis (R)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
John Yarmuth (D)
Challenger
No Response

4th District
Geoffrey Davis (R)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Harold Rogers (R)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Albert Chandler (D)
Incumbent
No Response

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LOUISANA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
Congressional Primary date – 11/7/06

1st District
Bobby Jindal (R)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
William Jefferson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Charlie Melancon (D)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Jim McCrery (R)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Rodney Alexander (R)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Richard Baker (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Charles Boustany (R)
Incumbent
No Response

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MAINE

Senate
Olympia Snowe (R)
Incumbent
No Response

House
1st District
Thomas Allen (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter with following addendum: 
I support human embryonic stem cell research.  Embryonic stem cell research offers promise to millions of Americans suffering from spinal cord injuries and chronic illnesses including cancer, Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease and diabetes.

Unfortunately, these potential advances have been stymied by a victory of politics over science.  Joined by a majority of my colleagues in the House, I voted for HR 810 on May 24, 2005.  On July 19, 2006 President Bush vetoed HR 810.  Despite the fact that it had been approved with strong bipartisan votes in both Houses of Congress, supporters fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto.

The bill would have greatly expanded the number of human embryonic stem cell lines (that is, cell cultures derived from embryonic stem cells) that can be used in federally funded medical research.  Under a policy President Bush announced five years ago, only then-existing stem cell lines could be used in federally supported research.  The number of usable stem cell lines that meet these criteria today stands at a mere 21 and will continue to drop as chromosomal abnormalities inevitably develop in the stem cell lines over time.

I do not believe that Congress or the Adminstration should prohibit the medical community from pursuing a promising avenue of research that may improve the lives of millions of Americans.  I am deeply disappointed that President Bush has chosen to issue his first veto on legislation that received wide, bipartisan support.  The politicization of this issue threatens to undermine groundbreaking research, impede science and jeapordize the health and well-being of helpless victims and their families.  Please rest assured that I will continue to fight in Congress for embryonic stem cell research.

2nd District
Michael Michaud (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

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MARYLAND

Senate
Benjamin Cardin (D)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Wayne Gilchrest (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

2nd District
C.A. Ruppersberger (D)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
John Sarbanes (D)
Challenger
Received following response:
I believe in the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to end the suffering of the more than 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and other debilitating diseases and disorders. While I strongly oppose human cloning, I passionately support federally funding embryonic stem cell research.

I promise to vote in favor of legislation, such as H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research. This legislation paves the way to fundamental discoveries that could save or improve countless lives. I will work in the Congress to ensure that the Federal government plays a key role in supporting basic and clinical embryonic stem cell research.

If we are serious about advancing both the quality of health care and reducing costs, we must tap the full power of modern science. I urge President Bush to change his current embryonic stem cell policies, so researchers can access more embryonic stem cell lines. Without such changes, U.S. scientists and patients are at an extreme disadvantage in the global scientific community. We can no longer delay this critical scientific work.

4th District
Albert Wynn (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Scientific research suggests that stem cells hold the key to treatments and even cures for some of our most degenerative diseases.  Accordingly, I believe in the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to end the suffering of over 100 million people with cancer, Parkinson's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debiliating diseases and disorders.  I also support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and I promise to vote in favor of legislation such as the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act HR 810) that would lift abitrary restrictions on federal funding for this critical research.

On July 19, 2006 President Bush rejected this critical legislation that could have multiplied the federal money going into embryonic stem cell research, using the first veto of his presidency to emphasize his stand on the emotionally charged issue.  As an original cosponsor of HR 810, I joined my colleagues in attempting to override the Presiden'ts veto.  Unfortunately, the House fell 51 votes short of the required two-fifths majority to override the President's veto.

It is a shame that political alliance blocked critical Federal funding for sound science.  Embryonic stem cells hold great promise for millions of Americans suffering from debilitating conditions and illnesses.  While opponents of stem cell research view the issue as a traditional "sanctity of life" question, what occurred on the 19th wasnot a pro-life victory.  Rather, it was the devastating consequence of pitting sound science against conservative politics.  I will continue to work with my colleagues to promote unpoliticized science and hopefully remove these harmful restrictions on potentially lifesaving research.

5th District
Steny Hoyer (D)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Roscoe Bartlett (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Elijah Cummings (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter
Was an original cosponsor of HR810.

8th District
Chris Van Hollen (D)
Incumbent
No Response

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MASSACHUSETTS

Senate
Edward Kennedy (D)
Incumbent
Co-Author of the Senate Version of HR 810 (S.471)

House
1st District
John Olver (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Richard Neal (D)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
James McGovern (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter
Was an original co-sponsor of HR810

4th District
Barney Frank (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Received following response:
I must confess that I was a little puzzled to recieve a questionnaire from you asking whether or not I plan to vote in favor of "legislation such as HR 810" since I recently voted in favor not just of a legislation such as HR 810, but in fact, HR 810 itself.  The answer is that I fully support stem cell research , I oppose government restrictions on this form of research and I will continue to do everything I can to promote the cause of health research unhindered by other people's ideological or religous objections.  People have every right to abstain from research themselves, but not to impose their own particular religious views in ways that would interfere with other people's ability to do research that will be helpful to us.

5th District
Martin Meehan (D)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
John Tierney (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter
Was a Co-Sponsor of HR810

7th District
Edward Markey (D)
Incumbent
No Response

8th District
Michael Capuano (D)
Incumbent
No Response

9th District
Stephen Lynch (D)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Bill Delahunt (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter


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MICHIGAN

Senate
Deborah Stabenow (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for contacting me regarding your support for embryonic stem cell research. I share your views about this issue.

President Bush banned federal funding of embryonic stem cell research on all but a small number of cell lines developed before August 2001. The few stem cell lines eligible for federal funding are mostly unsuitable for research. The President is tying the hands of scientists and impeding their progress on treatments and cures for diseases affecting our loved ones.

In an effort to overturn President Bush’s limitations, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act on July 18, 2006. I proudly supported this legislation that would have given hope to millions of Americans suffering from deadly diseases. Unfortunately, President Bush vetoed this bipartisan bill, which would have greatly expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research under strict ethical guidelines. Stem cells could only be derived from freely-donated embryos that would otherwise be destroyed.

You can count on my continued support of embryonic stem cell research, with very strong ethical guidelines, because of its promise for finding cures and creating better treatments for many serious diseases and injuries that affect our families.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to do so again if I can be of assistance to you in the future.

Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow

House
1st District
Bart Stupak (D)
Incumbent
No Response


2nd District
Peter Hoekstra (R)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Vernon Ehlers (R)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Dave Camp (R)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Dale Kildee (D)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Fred Upton (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Timothy Walberg (R)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
Mike Rogers (R)
Incumbent
No Response

9th District
Joe Knollenberg (R)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Candice Miller (R)
Incumbent
No Response

11th District
Thaddeus McCotter (R)
Incumbent
No Response

12th District
Sander Levin (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for contacting me in support of stem cell research. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

I completely agree with you. As you probably know, HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, recently passed both the House and Senate before being vetoed by the President. On July 19, 2006, I cast my vote to override the President's veto and remove this barrier to promising scientific research. Unfortunately, the bill failed to get the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto.

Be assured that I will continue to do everything I can to advocate for stem cell research and to support medical breakthroughs in this groundbreaking arena. Thanks again for sharing your view on this issue.  Following are my remarks from the floor debate to override the President's veto.

Mr. Speaker, this institution is often called the people's House and today I ask my colleagues to stand in the shoes of the millions of people dealing with incurable or debilitating diseases. Diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, or cancer. Diseases that impact them every day ..... their plans for the future. Let us stand with them today and vote to override the President's veto of the medical research that holds the potential to find a treatment to improve their lives, or, over time, a cure. 

The U.S. House has approved this legislation. The Senate has approved this legislation. The reason the American people--72 percent of them in public surveys--support the Federal Government proceeding with this legislation is because in virtually every family there is a life experience with the need for medical breakthroughs.

We can never guarantee the results of scientific research, but without it we guarantee there can be no results.

The President's stem cell policy is not working. Of the 78 existing stem cell lines permitted for use in federally funded research, only 22 of these lines are currently used for research, and many have raised concerns that these lines are genetically unstable, contaminated, and harder to work with than newer lines. Research is practically at a standstill in this country. 

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act is a well-crafted, bipartisan approach. It is opposed with false arguments that divide Americans when what is involved is an expansion of research on embryonic stem cell lines derived from surplus embryos that were originally created for fertility treatments purposes, are in excess of clinical need and would otherwise be discarded, and have been donated by the individuals seeking fertility treatment through written consent and without any financial involvement.

Let us override the President's veto and take these vitals steps to tap into the promise of research that has the potential to change the face of modern medicine as we know it today. That is a human value that should not be undermined by the people's representatives.

13th District
Carolyn Kilpatrick (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for your letter regarding embryonic stem cell research.  I welcome the opportunity to respond.

I strongly support stem cell research.  I voted to support the veto override of HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.  This bipartisan legislation would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  Congress approved HR 810.  However, despite the measure passing both chambers of Congress, the President vetoed the legislation, the first of his presidency.

Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research would enable further research to examine many new lines of stem cells - increasing the potential for cures.  Each year 8,000 to 10,000 embryos creatred for in-vitro fertilization are destroyed.  HR 810 would have allowed research of stem cells, which scientists believe could yield cures for diseases and injuries, to be harvested from surplus frozen embryos that are stored at fertility clinics and slated for destruction.  Human embryonic stem cells are prized because they can replicate themselves and become almost any type of human tissue.

President Bush's veto stopped this bill from becoming law.  The veto ignored our country's healthcare needs and has slowed the potential to eradicate life threatening and chronic diseases.

I will continue to support legislation that would lift restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and reaffirm Congress' support of life saving medical research.

14th District
John Conyers (D)
Incumbent
No Response

15th District
John Dingell (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for your letter regarding HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2006.  When the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader allowed for this bill to be brought before the full House for debate and vote, I voted with the majority of my colleagues for passage of this bill.  It passed the House by a vote of 238-94.  This bill also passed the United States Senate by a vote of 63-37.  Yet, the President chose to wield the Adminstration's first veto against this important legislation.

I voted to override the President's veto.  Unfortunately, the bill did not received the two-thirds majority of voting members to override the veto.  HR 810 failed 235-193.  The bill has been sent back to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

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MINNESOTA

Senate
Amy Klobuchar (D)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District 
Timothy Walz (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

2nd District
John Kline (R)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Jim Ramstad (R)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Betty McCollum (D)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
Keith Ellison (Democrat Farm Labor)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

6th District
Michele Bachmann (R)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
Collin Peterson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

8th District
James Oberstar (D)
Incumbent
No Response

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MISSISSIPPI

Senate
Trent Lott (R)
Incumbent
No Response

House
1st District
Roger Wicker (R)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Bennie Thompson (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

3rd District
Charles Pickering (R)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Gene Taylor (D)
Incumbent
No Response

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MISSOURI

Senate
Claire McCaskill (D)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
William Clay (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

2nd District
Todd Akin (R)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Russ Carnahan (D)
Incumbent 
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter 

4th District
Ike Skelton (D)
Incumbent
Responded that he does not have the time to answer questionnaires, but encourages people to examine his voting record on the issue.

5th District
Emanuel Cleaver (D)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Samuel Graves (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Roy Blunt (R)
Incumbent
No Response

8th District
Jo Ann Emerson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

9th District
Kenny Hulshof (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

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MONTANA

Senate
Jon Tester (D)
Challenger
Received following response:
As a third generation Montanan, I believe we have a responsibility to do everything within our means to help a sick neighbor. We must devote every possible resource to the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to ending the suffering of 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. I promise to vote in favor of legislation, such as H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research. 

House
1st District
Dennis Rehberg (R)
Incumbent
No Response

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NEBRASKA

Senate
Ben Nelson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Pete Ricketts (R)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Jeff Fortenberry (R)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Lee Terry (R)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Adrian Smith (R)
Challenger
No Response


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NEVADA

Senate
John Ensign (R)
Incumbent
No Response

House
1st District
Shelley Berkley (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Dean Heller (R)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Jon Porter (R)
Incumbent
No Response

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Carol Shea-Porter (D)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Paul Hodes (D)
Challenger
No Response

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NEW JERSEY

Senate
Robert Menendez (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Received following response:
As the son of a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s, I know the pain of an incurable disease, and the hope that stem cell research brings. I have and will continue to fight to end the suffering of 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

I strongly support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would end President Bush’s ban on federal funding for additional stem cell research. In fact, I had the honor to show my support for the bill in both houses of Congress. I was an original cosponsor of the bill in the House and voted for the bill in May 2005. Then when I became a Senator, I cosponsored the bill again and voted for the bill in the Senate in July 2006.

Earlier this year I fought to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, sent letters to my colleagues and spoke on the floor in support of the bill several times. On July 18, 2006 I said, “[f]or those who insist on playing politics with people's lives, make no mistake about it: The American people are watching, and they will not take kindly to seeing their last flicker of hope being extinguished.” Then on August 9th after the President vetoed the bill I warned that “Bush’s grave mistake to veto the bill was not the end of this fight, but has merely fueled the fire of our determination. We will keep fighting until these millions of Americans see their hopes and prayers answered.”

I believe very strongly that this is a priority issue in this year’s election. While I have been fighting for passage of H.R. 810 in the House and Senate, my opponent has voted six times against stem cell research. Because of this Administration’s efforts to block stem cell research, it has become essential for states such as New Jersey to establish their own stem cell research programs. My opponent had the chance to be part of the solution, but instead voted against funding these essential efforts.

It is essential that we fund stem cell research, and I promise to vote for legislation such as H.R. 810 to lift restrictions for this research.

House
1st District
Robert Andrews (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Frank LoBiondo (R)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Jim Saxton (R)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
Christopher Smith (R)
Incumbent
No Response

5th District
E. Garrett (R)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Frank Pallone (D)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Mike Ferguson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

8th District
William Pascrell (D)
Incumbent
No Response

9th District
Steven Rothman (D)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Donald Payne (D)
Incumbent
No Response

11th District
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Tom Wyka (D)
Challenger
No Response

Richard Roth (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

John Mele (Constitutional)
Challenger
No Response

12th District
Rush Holt (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss federally funded embryonic stem cell research.  I appreciate the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research's advocacy for this humane and promising research.

I am proud that New Jersey is the first state in the country to devote taxpayer funds to embryonic stem cell research.  This is a tremendous start, but the federal government must do more.  That is why I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (HR 810), and why I voted to override President Bush's ill-advised veto of the legislation.

Those who oppose embyronic stem cell research claim that it is unethical.  This is the same line of argument that has been used in the past to condemn procedures that are now accepted as legitimate and beneficial, such as blood transfusions and in vitro fertilization (IVF).  Fertility clinics routinely produce more embryos than are implanted in mothers, and unused embryos are palced in cryo-storage and usually destroyed.  Surely, few Americans would argue that infertile couples are availing themselves of an immoral procedure.

If enacted, HR 810 would expand federal funding beyond President Bush's overly restrictive policy of 2001, which limited funding to research on only a few stem cell lines.  This limit hinders the progress that our scientists and researchers can achieve.  HR 810 would allow federal funding of embryos that would otherwise be discarded.  Pursuing this research is the moral, ethical, and humane course of action.

I was disappointed that President Bush cast the first veto of his Presidency on HR 810.  With one stroke of his pen, he robbed people with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and ALS - to name just a few conditions - of the peace of mind that scientists and researchers have all the tools at their disposal to improve the way we diagnose, treat and cure these diseases.  He robbed their loved ones of the optimism that all avenues are being pursued to eradicated these horrible diseases.  I am hopeful that Congress will pass this legislation again in the 110th Congress, and that President Bush will embrace - not reject - this humane, ethical, and promising research.

Again, thank you for your work to expand funding for research that holds great promise in improving the lives and health of millions of Americans.

Joseph Sinagra (R)
Challenger
No Response

13th District
John Guarini (R)
Challenger
No Response

Albio Sires (D)
Challenger
No Response

Dick Hester (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Herbert Shaw (Independent)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter with following addendum:
Provided that the government will hold the patent on any discoveries they finance.

Esmat Zaklama (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Brian Williams (Socialist Workers Party)
Challenger
No Response


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NEW MEXICO

Senate
Jeff Bingaman (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Allen McCulloch (R)
Challenger
No Response

Francesca Lobato (Reform Party)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Heather Wilson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Patricia Madrid (D)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Steve Pearce (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Albert Kissling (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Tom Udall (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Ronald Dolin (R)
Challenger
No Response

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NEW YORK

Senate
Hillary Clinton (D)
Incumbent
No Response

John Spencer (R)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Timothy Bishop (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Scientists widely believe that embryonic stem cells have the potential to help treat devastating diseases that threaten the lives of millions of Americans such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease.  I have spoken to many families from across New York's First Congressional District who are holding onto hope that a life-saving breakthrough in stem cell research will occur in time to help a loved one.

As you may recall, President Bush announced a policy in August of 2001 that he would limit federal funding for embryonic stem cell research to the 78 stem cell lines available at that time.  Since the President's policy was implemented, the restriction has been challenged by a growing number of scientists who believe that the lines currently available are inadequate to fulfill the promise of potential new medical breakthroughs made possible through this research.

I voted for HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, because I believe that we need to revise the President's policy so we do not curtail valuable research or discourage scientists from conducting this life-saving research.  Under the current policy, we risk exporting stem cell research as some of of our most promising scientists move overseas, where fewer restrictions on research and greater regulatory flexibility had been proven to stimluate medical innovation and progress.  HR 810 was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but unfortunately was vetoed by the President.  The measure then failed to garner the necesarry support of two-thirds of the House of Representatives to override the veto.  I also voted to override the President's veto.

In addition, I have joined my colleagues in writing to President Bush urging him to revisit his current policy and relax the restrictions he imposed in 2001.  Our letter stressed that although the President suggested a significant number of stem cell lines would be available under his policy, only 19 stem cell lines are actually available to researchers.

Please be assured that I will continue to any support to support the federal funding of embyronic stem cell research.

Italo Zanzi (R)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Steve Israel (D)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Peter King (R)
Incumbent
No Response

David Mejias (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

4th District
Carolyn McCarthy (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Martin Blessinger (R)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Gary Ackerman (D)
Incumbent
No Response

6th District
Gregory Meeks (D)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
Joseph Crowley (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Kevin Brawley (R)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
Jerrold Nadler (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Eleanor Friedman (R)
Challenger
No Response

9th District
Anthony Weiner (D)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Edolphus Towns (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Jonathan Anderson (R)
Challenger
No Response

11th District
No Incumbent

Yvette Clarke (D)
Challenger
No Response

Stephen Finger (R)
Challenger
No Response

Mariana Blume (Conservative)
Challenger
No Response

12th District
Nydia Velazquez (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Allan Romaquera (R)
Challenger
No Response

13th District
Vito Fossella (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Stephen Harrison (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

14th District
Carolyn Maloney (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Danniel Maio (R)
Challenger
No Response

15th District
Charles Rangel (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Edward Daniels (R)
Challenger
No Response

16th District
Jose Serrano (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Ali Mohamed (R)
Challenger
No Response

17th District
Eliot Engel (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I was deeply disappointed that on July 19, 2006, President Bush issued the first veto of his Presidency against HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005.  This bill overwhelmingly passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate and has the support of the majority of the American people.  While the effort to override the President's veto received a majority vote of 235-193, it did not garner the two-thirds majority required by the U.S. Constitution to successfully override a Presidential veto.

As you may know, in 2001, President Bush issued guidelines that allow federally-funded research to continue only on existing embryonic stem cells, but prohibit any new lines from being created.  I believed the President did not go far enough with these guidelines, and has once again allowed politics to interfere with science in vetoing HR 810.

Research has shown that the use of embyronic stem cells could lead to breakthroughs in treatment and possible cures for a number of debilitating diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, brain and spinal cord injury, birth defects, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig's disease.  Over 200 patient groups, universities and scientific societies have urged President Bush to expand the federal policy on embryonic stem cell research.  Please know that I will continue to support efforts to allow this life-saving research to move forward in a responsible manner.

Jim Faulkner (R)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

18th District
Nita Lowey (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Richard Hoffman (R)
Challenger
No Response

19th District
Sue Kelly (R)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

John Hall (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

20th District
John Sweeney (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

21st District
Michael McNulty (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Warren Redlich (R)
Challenger
No Response

22nd District
Maurice Hinchey (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for inquiring about my position on stem cell research, and specifically, HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

I strongly believe that stem cell research is likely to bring significant advances to the field of medical science.  It may lead to treatment for diseases and disabilities such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, spinal cord injury, heart disease, and diabetes.  Given the severity of these diseases, I am of the opinion that we cannot afford to ignore one of the most promising avenues for research.

As you can tell from the Congressional Record, I have backed up these beliefs with action in Congress.  I am a proud cosponsor of HR 810, and voted three times on the House floor to enact it into law.

23rd District
John McHugh (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Robert Johnson (D)
Challenger
No Response

24th District
No Incumbent

Michael Arcuri (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Raymond Meier (R)
Challenger
No Response

25th District
James Walsh (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Daniel Maffei (D)
Challenger 
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter with following addendum:
My opponent and I have two very different approaches. His approach emphasizes the past. My approach provides a change in course, and hope for a better future. This could not be more evident than when it comes to stem cell research.

Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis, cancer, Parkinson’s, sickle cell anemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal cord injuries, autism, Down syndrome, juvenile diabetes, and more. Leading scientists agree that embryonic stem cell research gives us the best chance for finding a cure for these and other diseases. But when Jim Walsh had a chance to support a bipartisan bill allowing embryonic stem cell research under strict ethical guidelines this year, he voted against it.

The bill still passed but was vetoed by President Bush. Then Jim Walsh could have voted to override the President’s veto. But he didn’t. He chose to support President Bush, which he does nine out of ten times, instead of supporting his own constituents.

Nancy Reagan, the late Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, conservative Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator John McCain, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, countless universities and research groups, and the vast majority of Americans – and residents in our own district – support embryonic stem cell research. Despite this, Jim Walsh voted against it.

Now Mr. Walsh will tell you that he HAS voted to support research that involves umbilical cord stem cells because he wants to protect the embryo and the sanctity of life. But we are not talking about creating new embryos for research. We’re talking about embryos donated to fertility clinics that would be discarded as medical waste. They would be THROWN AWAY. By throwing away unused stem cells, we are throwing away a potential cure.

This is too important an issue to support it today, but oppose it tomorrow. Or to support it with caveats and exceptions. You either fully support stem cell research and the hope that it provides for families and loved ones . . . or you don’t. It’s just that simple. Jim Walsh had a chance to support stem cell research. He sided with President Bush and voted against it.

When I’m in Congress, I will vote to allow embryonic stem cell research and continue that hope. This cutting-edge research has shown tremendous promise in unlocking the code to life-saving cures. While we have much to learn, we know that embryonic stem cell research is a critical tool in our path to discovery.

26th District
Thomas Reynolds (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Jack Davis (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

27th District
Brian Higgins (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Michael McHale
Challenger
No Response

28th District
Louise Slaughter (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

John Donnelly (R)
Challenger
Received following response:
Thank you for the opportunity to share my position on stem cell research with your organization.  This is certainly an issue that many of the constituents in New York's 28th congressional disctrict want to understand and discuss.

I have personally experienced the pain and heartache of helping a loved one through sickness and, in several cases, the terminal stages of a disease.  My mother died of breast cancer several years ago; she also suffered from scleroderma, a painful auto-immune disease that made it difficult for her to eat and walk as her connective tissue hardened.  I've lost an uncle to basal cell lung cancer, my cousin lives as a quadriplegic due to a sports injury; several other close relatives deal every day with debilitating illness.

Stem cell research is a tantalizing scientific advance in medical research that may help us cure those we love of chronic, sometimes terminal, illness.  I am very supportive of scientific research dedicated towards using cord blook and adult sources of stem cells to help find cures for diseases.  These methods provide viable research pathways and, I believe, may ultimately pave the way for many innovative cures.

If elected to represent the people of New York's 28th district, I am always open to learning more about their needs and concerns.  It is important that we, as Americans, always have direct involvement in our government.  Stem cell research is no exception.

Sincerely,
John Donnelly

29th District
John Kuhl (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Eric Massa (D)
Challenger
No Response 

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NORTH CAROLINA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
G. Butterfield (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Bob Etheridge (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for allowing me to express my support for federal funding of stem cell research.

I share you support regarding this important research. Over the past few years, the Congress and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have been considering the difficult ethical and social issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research. As you know, embryonic stem cells, which have the ability to develop into virtually any cell in the body, may have the potential to treat medical conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. In August of 2000, the National Institutes of Health published its guidelines governing federal funding of stem cell research. These guidelines are ethically sound and designed to promote further life-altering research.

On August 9, 2001, the Bush Administration issued its own guidelines for embryonic stem cell research. The Adminstration’s guidelines allow federal funds to be used for research only on 64 already existing stem cell lines.  I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research because without it, we run the risk of missing an historic opportunity to improve the lives of millions of North Carolinians, Americans and people around the world.  Without federal funding for this basic research we could condemn millions of human beings to the pain, misery and suffeing of debilitating and degenerative diseases that otherwise might be cured.  I support funding for thies research because of the bright promise it holds to make life better and more productive for generations to comes.  However, I am concerned that the Adminstration's guidelines limit research opportunities by restricting the number of stem cells that may be used for this important research.

As you know, HR 810, the Castle DeGette Stem Cell Research Enhancement ACt, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund stem cell research.  The House passed HR 810 on May 24, 2005 iwth a vote of 238-194.  You may be pleased to know that I cosponsored and voted to ass this important legislation.

I am working with our national leaders to support policies that will defend our values, protect our children and our families, put our people back to work and get our economy back on track.  I look forward to your continued input on these and other issues as I do so.

Sincerely,
Bob Etheridge

Dan Mansell (R)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Walter Jones (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Craig Weber (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

4th District
David Price (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I believe in the promise embryonic stem cell research holds for medical breakthroughs that could help treat and cure terrible diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and others.  This promise alone provides a morally compelling argument in favor of stem cell research.

The President's actions on stem cell research - from his initial authorizing of the use of existing lines only, to his veto of last summer - have made neither moral nor scientific sense.  After the veto, I met with representatives of patient advocate groups, researchers and patients who support stem cell research.  They were justifiably angry and confused at the President's stubbornness on this issue.  With that one veto, the President effectively disabled the hopes of millions of Americans who suffer from debilitating diseases.

I supported HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, and fought against the President's veto.  In the next Congress, I will continue to advocate for the promotion of embryonic stem cell research, with appropriate ethical safeguards.

Steven Acuff (R)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Virginia Foxx (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Roger Sharpe (D)
Challenger
No Response

6th District
Howard Coble (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Rory Blake (D)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
Mike McIntyre (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Shirley Davis (R)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
Robert Hayes (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Larry Kissell (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

9th District
Sue Myrick (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Bill Glass (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

10th District
Patrick McHenry (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Richard Carsner (D)
Challenger 
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter 

11th District
Charles Taylor (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Heath Shuler (D)
Challenger
No Response

12th District
Melvin Watt (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for contacting me about whether I support HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, and similar legislation that would provide federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

I became a cosponsor of HR 810 in February 2005.  I voted in favor of HR 810 when it passed the House and I voted to override the President's veto when that vote failed in the House.  I remaing supportive of similar legislative efforts to lift restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

Ada Fisher (R)
Challenger
No Response

13th District
Brad Miller (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Vernon Robinson (R)
Challenger
No Response

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NORTH DAKOTA

Senate
Kent Conrad (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Dwight Grotberg (R)
Challenger
No Response

Roland Riemers (Independent)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

House
1st District
Earl Pomeroy (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Matt Mechtel (R)
Challenger
No Response 


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OHIO
 
Senate
Mike DeWine (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Sherrod Brown (D)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Steve Chabot (R)
Incumbent
No Response

John Cranley (D)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Jean Schmidt (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Victoria Wulsin (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Michael Turner (R)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
James Jordan (R)
Challenger
No Response

Richard Siferd (D)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Paul Gillmor (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Robin Weirauch (D)
Challenger
No Response

6th District
Charles Blasdel (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Charles Wilson (D)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
David Hobson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

William Conner (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

8th District
John Boehner (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Morton Meier (D)
Challenger
No Response

9th District
Marcy Kaptur (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Bradley Leavitt (R)
Challenger
No Response

10th District
Dennis Kucinich (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Michael Dovilla (R)
Challenger
No Response

11th District
Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for your recent contact regarding stem cell research.  I am glad to have the opportunity to know your views on this important issue.  I voted in favor of HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which passed the House July 19, by a vote of 235-193.  Unfortunately, it failed to receive the two-thirds majority needed to override the recent presidential veto.

Whithin Ohio's 11th Congressional District, we have perhaps some of the world's leading medical research institutions.  Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals have embarked on a monumental and ground breaking joint project to establish the National Center of Regenerative Medicine (NCRM).  Uniting these resources along with continued investment in their development will shorten dramatically the time from scientific discovery to treatment, thereby preserving the lives of countless patients in Ohio and throughout the nation.

Within the walls of these three medical institutions lie some of the most advanced and prolific members of the scientific research community on regenerative medicine.  While this research is basically focused on adult stem cell and umbilical cord research, we must continue to move forward in a responsible, compassionate and humane way.

I support this movement toward the treatment, research and cure of disease and illness which the use of stem cell exploration and research can advance.  As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to debate issues related to stem cell research and development, I will be certain to keep your views in mind.

Lindsey String (R)
Challenger 
Received following response:
I support the freedom to research embryonic stem cells but...At this point, I would not vote to federally fund the research with any of our tax dollars.

The last I heard, someone figured out how to extract the cells harmlessly - that's great!! But can you prove any value from the research yet?? Your claim sounds like the "snake oil" "miracle cure" salesmen of the previous century.

Please prove me wrong.

12th District
Pat Tiberi (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Robert Shamansky (D)
Challenger
No Response

13th District
Craig Foltin (R)
Challenger
No Response

Betty Sutton (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

14th District
Steven LaTourette (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Lewis Katz (D)
Challenger
No Response

15th District
Deborah Pryce (R)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I support stem cell research.  As you know, embryonic stem cells have the ability to develop into virtually any cell in the body and offer scientists the ability to make new skin, liver and other tissues and organs.  These therapies could provide more hope to so many patients and their loved ones who suffer at the hands of chronic and life-threatening disease.

Under the current federal policy on human embryonic stem cell research, only those stem cell lines derived before August 9, 2001 are eligible for federally funded research.  The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (HR 810) would expand the number of stem cell ines that are eligible for federally funded research and allow human embryonic stem cell therapies regardless of the date on which the stem cells were created from a human embryo.

On May 24, 2005, I voted in favor of HR 810, which passed in the House by a vote of 238 to 194.  Subsequently, the bill passed in the Senate on July 18, 2006.  On the following day, President Bush vetoed the bill.  I voted in favor of overriding the President's vetor, but unfortunately, the 2/3 required votes were not obtained.

Mary Kilroy (D)
Challenger
No Response

16th District
Ralph Regula (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Thomas Shaw (D)
Challenger
No Response

17th District
Timothy Ryan (D)
Incumbent
No Response

18th District
No Incumbent

Zachary Space (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter


Joy Padgett (R)
Challenger
No Response



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OKLAHOMA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
John Sullivan (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Alan Gentges (D)
Challenger
No Response

Bill Wortman (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
David Boren (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Patrick Miller (R)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Frank Lucas (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Sue Barton (D)
Challenger
No Response

Gregory Wilson (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

4th District
Tom Cole (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Hal Spake (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

5th District
Mary Fallin (R)
Challenger
No Response

David Hunter (D)
Challenger
No Response

Matthew Woodson (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

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OREGON

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
David Wu (D) 
Incumbent
No Response

Derrick Kitts (R) 
Challenger
No Response

Dean Wolf (Constitution)
Challenger
Received following response:
My answer to the above question is NO. As I understand it, there are other options available for stem cell research. One such option is stem cell research being performed on adults' own cells. I have to say that I am undeniably opposed to abortion and any of its by-products including stem cell research.  

2nd District
Greg Walden (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Carol Voisin (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Earl Blumenauer (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Bruce Broussard (R)
Challenger
No Response

4th District
Peter DeFazio (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I believe in the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to end the suffering of 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson's Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  I have cosponsored HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, legislation which would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research.  I voted for the passage of HR 810 and voted to override President Bush's veto of the bill.  You can be sure I will continue to support this vital research.
Sincerely,
Peter A. DeFazio

James Feldkamp (R)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Darlene Hooley (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Mike Erickson (R)
Challenger
No Response


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PENNSYLVANIA
 
Senate
Rick Santorum (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Bob Casey (D)
Challenger
No Response

Carl Romanelli (Non-Partisan)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Robert Brady (D)
Incumbent
No Response

2nd District
Chaka Fattah (D)
Incumbent
No Response

3rd District
Phil English (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Steven Porter (D)
Challenger
No Response

4th District
Melissa Hart (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Jason Altmire (D)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
John Peterson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Donald Hilliard (D)
Challenger
No Response

6th District
James Gerlach (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Lois Murphy (D)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
Curt Weldon (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Joseph Sestak (D)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
Michael Fitzpatrick (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Patrick Murphy (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

9th District
Bill Shuster (R)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Don Sherwood (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Christopher Carney (D)
Challenger
No Response

11th District
Paul Kanjorski (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Joseph Leonardi (R)
Challenger
No Response

12th District
John Murtha (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Diana Irey (R)
Challenger
No Response

13th District
Allyson Schwartz (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Raj Bhakta (R)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

14th District
Mike Doyle (D)
Incumbent
No Response

15th District
Charles Dent (R)
Incumbent
No Response 

Charles Dertinger (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Greta Browne (Green Party)
Challenger
No Response

16th District
Joseph Pitts (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Lois Herr (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

John Murphy (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

17th District
Tim Holden (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Matthew Wertz (R)
Challenger
No Response

18th District
Timothy Murphy (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Chad Kluko (D)
Challenger
No Response

19th District
Todd Platts (R)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Phillip Avillo (D)
Challenger
No Response 


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RHODE ISLAND

Senate
Lincoln Chafee (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Sheldon Whitehouse (D)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Patrick Kennedy (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to express my strong support of embryonic stem cell research, as well as increased funding for medical research and the National Institutes of Health.

I am an original cosponsor of HR810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, and I support ending the President’s politically motivated policy against the expansion of embyronic stem cell research. Further, I am shocked by his disregard for the majority of Americans who support stem cell research and by his choice to veto this important bill.

The National Academies has estimated that stem cell research has the potential to help at least 133 million Americans who suffer from cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and birth defects. This number, while astounding, does not even begin to include family members whose lives are greatly affected by the illness of a loved one. With these considerations taken into account, the benefits of stem cell research become immeasurable.

I am sensitive to the concerns of individuals who may have ethical questions about embyronic stem cell research. As with any medical research, strict rules must be in place to protect and honor human life, and I believe HR 810 clearly outlined a responsible policy for federal researchers to follow.

It is time to speak out for the millions of Americans who stand to benefit from federal support of embryonic stem cell research, and to leave politics at the door. I will continue to fight to pass HR 810.

Jonathan Scott (R)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Kenneth Capalbo (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
James Langevin (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
As you know, I steadfastly believe in the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to end the suffering of 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other chronic conditions and diseases. In the 108th and 109th Congresses, I was proud to be an original cosponsor of legislation that would lift restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. In 2005, I served on a whip team with Representatives Mike Castle and Diana DeGette to ensure passage of H.R. 810 with strong, bipartisan support.

As a pro-life Member of Congress, my decision to support stem cell research came after careful consideration, and a great deal of study, thought and prayer. Having heard from the leading scientists and experts on both sides of the issue, I came to the conclusion that embryonic stem cell research can be done in a responsible way and offers hope that must be further explored. As a pro-life and pro-research Member, I have worked to educate other pro-life individuals as to the science of stem cell research and the advantages to developing one national, responsible and ethical policy on this matter.

I feel it is the responsibility of the government to support such life-affirming research and to ensure that ethical standards are in place. Private research currently takes place in the United States without any oversight. For these reasons, I was an original cosponsor and voted in favor of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

I was devastated when President Bush exercised the first veto of his presidency and rejected H.R. 810. I voted to override the President’s veto; however, with a final vote of 235-193, the House did not garner the 2/3 majority vote necessary to override a Presidential veto. I pledge to continue my efforts in this area in the 110th Congress and I look forward to working with CAMR to continue the fight to expand stem cell research and funding, so that the hopes of the millions waiting for lifesaving research can again be illuminated.

Rod Driver (Independent)
Challenger
Received following response:
I advocate embryonic stem-cell research, and if elected will support federal funding such as H.R. 810.

My opponent -- Rep. James R. Langevin -- actually voted to outlaw such research. (See 2001 Roll Calls 300, 302, 303 and 304.) Later, he announced that he supports embryonic stem-cell research. But two years later he again voted to outlaw it. (See 2003 Roll Call 39.) If either of these bills had passed the Senate, President Bush would have signed it, the research would be outlawed and we wouldn't now be discussing who ought to fund it.

I have been a consistent advocate for the research, and for federal funding of it.

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Henry Brown (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Randy Maatta (D)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Addison Wilson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Michael Ellisor (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
James Barrett (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Franklin "Lee" Ballenger (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

4th District
Robert Inglis (R)
Incumbent
No Response

William Griffith (D)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Ralph Norman (R)
Incumbent
No Response

John Spratt (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I am a longtime supporter of stem cell research. The potential for stem cell research is overwhelming, but this potential will only be achieved after several years of research into basic cell biology and clinical technique.

That is why I am a co-sponsor of H. R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement. I voted in favor of H. R. 810 when it passed the House in 2005. I voted to override the President's veto in 2006.

I was disappointed by the President's veto, and the House' inability to override it. I will continue to do all I can to see that H. R. 810 or a bill like it gets passed into law.

6th District
James Clyburn (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Gary McLeod (R)
Challenger
No Response

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SOUTH DAKOTA

Senate
No Senate race in 2006.

House
1st District
Stephanie Herseth (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Bruce Whalen (R)
Challenger
No Response

Larry Rudebusch (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response


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TENNESSEE

Senate
Harold Ford (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Bob Corker (R)
Challenger
No Response

Ed Choate (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Emory Heyward (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

H. Keplinger (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Chris Lugo (Independent)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

House
1st District
David Davis (R)
Challenger
No Response

Rick Trent (D)
Challenger
No Response

Michael Peavler (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

James Reeves (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Mahmood Sabri (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Robert Smith (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
John Duncan (R)
Incumbent
No Response

John Greene (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Zach Wamp (R)
Incumbent
Responded that he does not answer political questionnaires and asked that people look at his voting record.

Terry Stulce (D)
Challenger
No Response

Brent Benedict (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

4th District
Lincoln Davis (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Ken Martin (R)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Jim Cooper (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Thomas Kovach (R)
Challenger
No Response

Virginia Welsch (Independent)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

6th District
Bart Gordon (D)
Incumbent
No Response

David Davis (R)
Challenger
No Response

Robert Garrison (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Norman Saliba (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
Marsha Blackburn (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Bill Morrison (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Kathleen Culver (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Gayl Pratt (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

John Rimer (Independent)
Challenger
Response pending.

William Smith (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

James White (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
John Tanner (D)
Incumbent
No Response

John Farmer (R)
Challenger
No Response

9th District
Stephen Cohen (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Mark White (R)
Challenger
No Response

Jake Ford (Independent)
Challenger
No Response


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TEXAS

Senate
Kay Hutchison (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Barbara Radnofsky (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Scott Jameson (Libertarian)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

House
1st District
Louis Gohmert (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Roger Owen (D)
Challenger
Received following response:
“I am not against this particular issue, but am against spending federal money for something that private industry will come in later and put patents on which will end up costing taxpayers and consumers more money. This is where I have my problem. I do not endorse the funding of any projects in which patents can be acquired to where the consumer ends up paying more money from federally financed research.”

Donald Perkison (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Ted Poe (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Gary Binderim (D)
Challenger
No Response

Justo Perez (Libertarian)
Challenger
Received following response:
I am completely convinced that embryonic cell research WILL solve many human ailments. However, I am apposed to ANY public funding for ANY research that can be funded more effectively by the private sector (I.e. free market interests). In short. based on Libertarian principles, I cannot agree with federal funding for this issue and many others that can be funded by the private sector.

If elected, I will support any legislation that makes the research legal but does not provide federal funding.

3rd District
Sam Johnson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Dan Dodd (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter with following addendum:
I am a staunch believer in stem cell research and support federal funding for it.  Our daughter holds a PhD from Stanford School of Virology.  She is published and doing research in spinal cord nerve cell regeneration at the University of Zurich.  She is very familiar with stem cell research.

I will support HR 810 and any similar bill that authorizes and/or appropriates federal funding for stem cell research nto cure a panoply of disease affecting Americans.

Christopher Claytor (Libertarian)
Challenger
Received following response:
I do not support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  I promise to vote in favor legislation that would lift restrictions on private funding for this important research.  I further believe that the Federal Government should not  provide any funding of any research.  It should all be from private sources!

4th District
Ralph Hall (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Glenn Melancon (D)
Challenger
No Response

Kurt Helm (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Thomas Hensarling (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Charles Thompson (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Mike Nelson (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

6th District
Joe Barton (R)
Incumbent
No Response

David Harris (D)
Challenger
No Response

Carl Nulsen (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
John Culberson (R)
Incumbent
No Response

James Henley (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Drew Parks (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
Kevin Brady (R)
Incumbent
No Response

James Wright (D)
Challenger
No Response

9th District
Al Green (D)
Incumbent
No Response

10th District
Michael McCaul (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Ted Ankrum (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Michael Badnarik (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

11th District
K. Conaway (R)
Incumbent
No Response

12th District
Kay Granger (R)
Incumbent
No Response

John Morris (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Gardner Osborne (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

13th District
William Thornberry (R)
Incumbent
Responded that he does not answer questionnaires and asks that people look at his voting record for his stand on most issues.

Roger Waun (D)
Challenger
No Response

Jim Thompson (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

14th District
Ron Paul (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Shane Sklar (D)
Challenger
No Response

15th District
Ruben Hinojosa (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Paul Haring (R)
Challenger
No Response

Eddie Zamora (R)
Challenger
No Response

16th District
Silvestre Reyes (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Gordon Strickland (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

17th District
Chet Edwards (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Nicholas Taylor (R)
Challenger
No Response

Guillermo Acosta (Labor Party)
Challenger
No Response

18th District
Sheila Jackson Lee (D)
Incumbent 
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter 

Patrick Warren (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

19th District
Randy Neugebauer (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Robert Ricketts (D)
Challenger
No Response

Fred Jones (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

20th District
Charles Gonzalez (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Michael Idrogo (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

21st District
Lamar Smith (R)
Incumbent
Received following response:
Thank you for passing along the information regarding the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research. 

As an incumbent, I believe that my voting record best indicates my views.  Candidates can say they support you, but votes are what really count.

My record shows that I strongly support scientific research and innovation.

John Courage (D)
Challenger
Received following response:
I believe in the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to end the suffering of 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

My family and I have had first hand experience with stem cell therapy.  My brother-in-law died from cancer and my wife donated her adult stem cells as a treatment for her brother.  The treatment was only partially successful and helped extend his life another year.  We personally have high hopes for the potential for future stem cell research.

I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  I promise to vote in favor of legislation, such as HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research.

Gene Kelly (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

James Strohm (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Tommy Calvert (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

James Peterson (Independent)
Challenger
Received following response:
In response to your request for my position on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, I would say the following.

The Federal budget is stretched way too far by its current expenditures and the lack of income to cover those expenditures.  Accordingly, I am not in favor of, nor would I support, substantial federal funding for stem cell research.

I do agree that there is much promise in this research, and do support the freedom to do this research, but not with Federal money.  Money from private organizations and foundations should be free to pursue this research to show whether or not there is any reality behind the promise.  At this point there is only promise.  Show me results, any results, and then we could talk about putting Federal money behind further research.

Mark Rossano (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

22nd District
No Incumbent

Nick Lampson (D)
Challenger 
Received following response:
I strongly disagree with the President’s decision to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (HR 810).

Stem cell research could hold the key to saving countless American lives, and many individuals with chronic diseases – along with their families and loved ones – are holding out hope for better lives based on medical discoveries that could occur if we pursue stem cell research.

My sister, Mary Jo, contracted polio at a very young age. She has been in a wheel chair most of her life. My sister is strong. She has overcome a lot and has had a wonderful life. But is there is a chance that I, as a representative in Congress, can make sure that future generations don’t have to overcome all the challenges faced by my sister, I am going to take that chance. That is why I strongly support stem cell research.

I believe we should be open to this new advance in medicine, because it is the right thing to do to save and enhance millions of American lives. I will vote in favor of legislation, such as the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (HR 810), that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research.

Shelley Sekula-Gibbs (R)
Challenger
No Response
 
Bob Smither (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

23rd District
Henry Bonilla (R)
Incumbent
No Response

August Beltran (D)
Challenger
No Response

Rick Bolanos (D)
Challenger
No Response

Adrian DeLeon (D)
Challenger
No Response

Lukin Gilliland (D)
Challenger
No Response

Ciro Rodriguez (D)
Challenger
No Response

Albert Uresti (D)
Challenger
No Response

Craig Stephens (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

24th District
Kenny Marchant (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Gary Page (D)
Challenger
No Response

Mark Frohman (Libertarian)
Challenger
Signed CAMR Letter

25th District
Lloyd Doggett (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Grant Rostig (R)
Challenger
No Response

Barbara Cunningham (Libertarian)
Challenger
Received following response:
Thank you for asking me for my position on embryonic stem cell research. I believe this line of research holds great promise in finding treatments and cures for a variety of medical problems. However, I do not support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. I do not support federal funding for ANY medical research as I do not believe it is one of the functions of the federal government. That said, if the federal government decides to support any medical research, it should support ALL medical research equally. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Brian Parrett (Independent)
Challenger
Received following response:
I do not support spending Federal funds researching embryonic stem cells and cannot, in good conscience, support H.R. 810 or similar
legislation.

If stem cells truly offer a promise to end the suffering of millions of patients then the private sector can and will develop medicines
and treatments from stem cells.

26th District
Michael Burgess (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Tim Barnwell (D)
Challenger
No Response

Rich Haas (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

27th District
Solomon Ortiz (D)
Incumbent
No Response

William Vaden (R)
Challenger
No Response

Robert Powell (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

28th District
Henry Cuellar (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Frank Enriquez (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Ron Avery (Constitutional)
Challenger
No Response

29th District
Gene Green (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter with the following note:
“As a current member of Congress, I have voted for and spoke for embryonic stem cell research on the floor of the House of Representatives.”

Eric Story (R)
Challenger
No Response

Clifford Messina (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

30th District
Eddie Johnson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Wilson Aurbach (R)
Challenger
No Response

Ken Ashby (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

31st District
John Carter (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Mary Harrell (D)
Challenger
No Response

Matt McAdoo (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

32nd District
Pete Sessions (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Will Pryor (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

John Hawley (Libertarian)
Challenger 
Received following response:
Thank you for your letter of 20 September, 2006, received today, soliciting 1) my acknowledgment of the "promise" of stem cell research, and 2) my support for Federal Funding of stem cell research. Please allow this letter to convey my response to that solicitation.

First, I am without knowledge to know how much promise stem cell research has to offer for medical advancement; therefore I am unable to say that I believe in that promise. I certainly hope that all medical research is worthwhile and fruitful, but I do know know the specifics of the promise of this particular research. Second, I am opposed to FEDERAL funding of any and all such research, regardless of how promising, including the FEDERAL funding of stem cell research. Federal funding --like the Federal government itself-- should be limited and medical research, regardless of how heart-wrenching the problems it seeks to solve, is outside the scope of the Federal Constitution not to mention being outside the Federal budget.

About the moral propriety of the research which (as I understand it) involves the use of killed children (itself, a heart wrenching situation), I believe that parents of the children have absolute say over their children and that law is a futile resource to correct the behavior of parents in regard to their children. Law that invades the family, in my opinion, results in more harm than good and is an unsuitable substitute to changing the hearts and minds of parents.

Changing hearts and minds is an educational endeavor, not an enforcement one.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your inquiry. I look forward to seeing the above response posted with your candidate information. 


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UTAH

Senate
Orrin Hatch (R)
Incumbent
Co-Author of the Senate Version of HR 810 (S.471)

Peter Ashdown (D)
Challenger
No Response

Dave Seely (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Scott Bradley (Constitutional)
Challenger
No Response

Julian Hatch (Green Party)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Robert Bishop (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Steven Olsen (D)
Challenger
No Response

Lynn Badler (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Mark Hudson (Constitutional)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
LaVar Christensen (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Jim Matheson (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Austin Lett (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Bob Brister (Green Party)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

W. Perry (Constitutional)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Christopher Cannon (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Christian Burridge (D)
Challenger
No Response

Phillip Hallman (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Jim Noorlander (Constitutional)
Challenger
No Response

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VERMONT

Senate
No Incumbent

Bernard Sanders (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Richard Tarrant (R)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Martha Rainville (R)
Challenger
No Response

Peter Welch (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

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VIRGINIA

Senate
George Allen (R)
Incumbent
No Response

James Webb (D)
Challenger
No Response

Gail Parker (Green Party)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Jo Ann Davis (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Shawn O'Donnell (D)
Challenger
No Response

Marvin Pixton (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Thelma Drake (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Philip Kellam (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Robert Scott (D)
Incumbent
No Response

4th District
J. Forbes (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Albert Burckard (Green Party)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Virgil Goode (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Albert Weed (D)
Challenger
No Response

6th District
Bob Goodlatte (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Barbara Jean Pryor (Independent)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

7th District
Eric Cantor (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Brad Blanton (Green Party)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
James Moran (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Tom O'Donoghue (R)
Challenger
No Response

Jim Hurysz (Independent)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

9th District
Rick Boucher (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Charles Carrico (R)
Challenger
No Response

10th District
Frank Wolf (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Judith Feder (D)
Challenger
Received following response:
Stem cell research holds the best promise to cure horrible diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and Lou Gehrig's disease, from which millions of Americans suffer.

I am disappointed that George Bush and Frank Wolf opposed HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.  I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and as a member of Congress, I would vote in favor of legislation to lift the current restrictions on federal funding for this necessary research.  One hundred million Americans are affected by debilitating diseases and disorders that through committed research, we can make strides to cure.

Wilbur Wood (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Neeraj Nigam (Independent)
Challenger
Received following response:
While I am strongly in favor of all research and development, I do not know enough about this to make an intelligent response. I need to study this matter in greater detail and discuss with experts before I can
make a decision.

From my current understanding, I believe that we do not have all the answers yet. What protections are in place for embryos? What protections are put in place to prevent misuse of embryonic tissue? What are the
capabilities and how far can this research lead to?

Until I am satisfied, I do not think that I am in a position to support this legislation. I do promise to give it a fair hearing and listen to the wishes of my district.

I promise to represent my district to the best of my ability with an open relationship with them and do as they want.

11th District
Thomas Davis (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Andrew Hurst (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Ferdinando Greco (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

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WASHINGTON

Senate
Maria Cantwell (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Mike McGavick (R)
Challenger
No Response

Bruce Guthrie (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Robin Adair (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Aaron Dixon (Green Party)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Jay Inslee (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Larry Ishmael (R)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Rick Larsen (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Doug Roulstone (R)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Brian Baird (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Michael Messmore (R)
Challenger
No Response

4th District
Doc Hastings (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Richard Wright (D)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
Cathy McMorris (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Peter Goldmark (D)
Challenger
No Response

6th District
Norm Dicks (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Doug Cloud (R)
Challenger
No Response

7th District
Jim McDermott (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

Steve Beren (R)
Challenger
No Response

Linnea Noreen (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

8th District
Dave Reichert (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Darcy Burner (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

9th District
Adam Smith (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Steven Cofchin (R)
Challenger
No Response

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WEST VIRGINIA

Senate
Robert Byrd (D)
Incumbent
No Response

John Raese (R)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Alan Mollohan (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Christopher Wakim (R)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Shelley Capito (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Mike Callaghan (D)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Nick Rahall (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Kim Wolfe (R)
Challenger
No Response 

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WISCONSIN

Senate
Herb Kohl (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Robert Lorge (R)
Challenger
No Response

David Redick (Libertarian)
Challenger
No Response

Ben Glatzel (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Rae Vogeler (Green Party)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Paul Ryan (R)
Incumbent
Responded that he does not complete political questionnaires.

Jeffrey Thomas (D)
Challenger
No Response

2nd District
Tammy Baldwin (D)
Incumbent
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter with following addendum:
I have supported legislation such as HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act -- that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research.  I was honored to serve as part of the team that worked to pass HR 810 and to try to override the President's veto of this legislation.  I will continue to support such legislation and work for its passage into law.

Dave Magnum (R)
Challenger
No Response

3rd District
Ron Kind (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Paul Nelson (R)
Challenger
No Response

4th District
Gwendolynne Moore (D)
Incumbent
Received following response:
I believe in the promise that embryonic stem cell research offers to end the suffering of 100 million patients with cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

I have supported federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, I voted for HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, that would lift restrictions on federal funding for this important research.  I intend to continue to vote for legislation such as HR 810 in the future.

Perfecto Rivera (R)
Challenger
No Response

5th District
F. Sensenbrenner (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Bryan Kennedy (D)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter with following addendum:
The issue of stem cell research is not without controversy.  I am an active church-goer and a Sunday shcool teacher, but I am also a college academic who believes in the power of science to find cures for many illnesses.

I believe that God has given us the gift of human intelligence.  With that intelligence we should do everything within our power to further human understanding of our unvierse.  I believe that God does work miracles, but many of those miracles come when He sheds light on the understanding of the physical laws of our universe.  Rather than heal one individual through isolated miracles, He makes it possible for us to heal thousands or even millions.

Stem cell research is one of the cutting edge areas where we have the potential to make great progress in the near future.  I support the use of human stem cells, such as those left over from human in vitro fertilization efforts for medical research.  I DO NOT support the harvesting of stem cells just for research, however.   Likewise, I do not see an issue with using stem cells that result from everyday medical practices and procedures that are a part of standard and acceptable medical best practice.

I also support the great depth of stem cell research that is being done in the state of Wisconsin and believe that we need to fund that research at the University of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin in order to further our medical advancements.  Stem cell research is yet one more area where common sense says that we must study, but we must do so in an ethically responsible way.

Robert Raymond (Independent)
Challenger
No Response

Bob Levis (Green Party)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

6th District
Thomas Petri (R)
Incumbent
No Response

7th District
David Obey (D)
Incumbent
No Response

Nick Reid (R)
Challenger
No Response

Mike Miles (Green Party)
Challenger
Supports CAMR Position/Signed CAMR Letter

8th District
John Gard (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Steven Kagen (D)
Challenger
No Response 


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WYOMING

Senate
Craig Thomas (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Dale Groutage (D)
Challenger
No Response

House
1st District
Barbara Cubin (R)
Incumbent
No Response

Gary Trauner (D)
Challenger
No Response


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