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
Arizona
Arkansas
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Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
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Maine
Maryland
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Ohio
Oklahoma
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Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
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 Respon
se 

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 Respons
e

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 Fa

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