Stem cells part of 'values' debate

Stem cell research may be one of those defining issues in the coming governor's race -- an issue that tells voters more about the candidates than just where they stand on that particular question.

For Mark Green, that's a problem. His opposition to embryonic stem cell research puts him on the extreme edge, even in his own party. It is a sign that he will pander to the fringe elements of the Republican base on other issues, like abortion, too.

That may have been a good strategy in a GOP primary, but it's a bad one for the November general election. And it's too late to flip-flop now.

Tracy Forster, on the Journal Sentinel's Capitol blog:

People are starting to take notice of Wisconsin’s push-and-pull on stem cell research.

Gov. Jim Doyle has taken a firm line on promoting the research, pioneered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as an important economic development tool for the state that could also contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements. But many members of the Republican-controlled Legislature urge caution on being so eager to back the burgeoning technology, arguing that science shouldn't be placed ahead of potential destruction of life. Doyle's Republican opponent in this fall's gubernatorial election, U.S. Rep. Mark Green of Green Bay, agrees, and has said Doyle is out of touch with the values of most Wisconsin residents on the issue.

According to a New York Times editorial today, Wisconsin isn't the only state confronting the issue. Some states, such as California and most recently Maryland, are actively courting the industry by providing state funds to support embryonic stem cell research, while others such as South Dakota, ban all research on embryonic stem cells, and others ban therapeutic cloning.

The editorial points to Wisconsin as an example of the "piecemeal state-by-state approach."

"In some places, the result is a mishmash of conflicting approaches," the editorial says. "In Wisconsin, where scientists have been pioneers in the development of embryonic stem cell lines, Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, vetoed a bill -- passed late last year by the Legislature, which is dominated by Republicans -- that would have made therapeutic cloning a criminal offense punishable by up to 10 years in jail. He has instead embarked on a drive to recruit stem cell companies for Wisconsin, with a goal of capturing 10 percent of the stem cell industry by 2015."

Green opposed Doyle's veto, and said in a statement at the time that "no research should be exempt from a fundamental code of ethics. There are basic principles of decency that define a civilized society, and, under any definition, human cloning crosses the line of acceptability."