Rethugs poll selves on stem cell research, almost lose!

[paineinthearse]

Note this is not a scientific poll, and the sample was "republican voter(s)" only!

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http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=47176

New GOP Poll and Ad Campaign Boost Republican Main Street Partnership Support for Expanded Federal Stem Cell Policy

5/11/2005 12:32:00 PM


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To: National Desk and Political Reporter

Contact: Ron Talley of the Republican Main Street Partnership, 202-682-3139

WASHINGTON, May 11 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) joined the Republican Main Street Partnership today to unveil new national polling results showing strong Republican voter support for expanded embryonic stem cell research by a margin of 55 to 38 percent. Sen. Hatch then endorsed H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act sponsored by Main Street President Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.). "I come to this issue as a strong and outspoken Right-to-Life Senator. While I admire and respect those who do not share my views on this, I do believe, very strongly, that it is possible to be both anti-abortion and pro-embryonic stem cell research".

The Senator praised Rep. Castle and Main Street for its efforts on this life saving issue, "I am also very grateful for the support of the Republican Main Street Partnership, a distinguished group of individuals who are seeking pragmatic solutions to some of the most challenging issues our nation faces. We are confident that when our colleagues and the public consider all of the issues, including the ethical questions, a good majority will reach the conclusion that this bill will advance important science and is consistent with our moral values."

Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Mich.), a member of Main Street and a practicing physician called the new Republican support for embryonic stem cell research encouraging, noting that more and more Americans are now understanding the issue fully. "It's a life-saving issue, as the new poll shows, with voters agreeing with the premise that there's no difference between throwing away embryos or using them for research, said Rep. Schwarz. "They are donated embryos, from invitro-fertilization, not human beings or babies."

Main Street member and co-chair of the Tuesday Group, Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) also announced Main Street's latest print advertising campaign, featuring former First Lady Nancy Reagan supporting expanded embryonic stem cell research. Rep. Kirk called Main Street's effort, "a way to further educate House Members who will vote on this key legislation, and the public as a whole. We have a moral obligation to find cures here in America."

"This increased level of support sends a strong message to Congress and the President that this life saving issue must move forward," RMSP Executive Director, Sarah Chamberlain Resnick said. "As a top priority for Main Street, we are working continuously to bring this issue to the forefront. The strong backing in both the House and Senate, coupled with this strong level of public support bring a ray of hope to the millions who could benefit from this research."

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The Republican Main Street Partnership is an organization of centrist Republicans who are economic conservatives and take a pragmatic, common-sense approach to social issues. RMSP is the largest organization of elected Republican moderates in the nation, with over 60 members in the U.S. House and Senate. For more information on RMSP, visit http://www.republicanmainstreet.org.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

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[Coastie for Truth]

1. Beginning of Break Between "Rapture Right" and "Main Street" GOP

This is the beginning of the break between "Rapture Right" (Evangelicals and Fundies) and the "Main Street" ("Mom and Pop Store"/NFIB, Chamber) Republicans.

There are two issues that will fracture the GOP - "Science" (Stem Cell Research, Evolution, Out sourcing of research & development, Kyoto, Peak Oil -- all at their core the same issue) and "Values" (Choice, Gay Rights, Privacy - again, at their core the same issue).

This is the ultimate fault line in the GOP.

And it looks like "Science" may be "trumping" "Values."