Stem cell opponents to continue seeking restrictions in Missouri

[pstokely]

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/politics/elections/15963195.htm

Stem cell opponents to continue seeking restrictions in Missouri
ALAN SCHER ZAGIER
Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - Supporters of a groundbreaking constitutional amendment protecting stem cell research in Missouri hoped for a mandate from Tuesday's narrow victory. Instead, they could be facing a backlash.

Despite being outspent by nearly $27 million in an effort that had backing from the state's Republican governor and its business leaders, opponents of the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative took solace Wednesday in a defeat by fewer than 47,000 votes out of a total of nearly 2.1 million cast.

With 98 percent of precincts reporting, that works out to a 51-49 percent margin. A majority of voters in 95 of the state's 114 counties rejected the measure, with just 15 counties and the city of St. Louis helping to push the amendment over the top. Results from four counties remained incomplete Wednesday afternoon.