Key Embryonic Stem Cell Research Proponent Backs Hillary Clinton’s Bid 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 26, 2007
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — When it comes to forcing taxpayer to pay for embryonic stem cell research that involves the destruction of human life, there’s no bigger champion than Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette. On Monday, the congresswoman threw her support behind Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
DeGette was the leading sponsor of two bills that would have overturned President Bush’s policy of preventing taxpayer funding of research that destroys human life.
The president has prohibited federal funding of new embryonic stem cell research that destroys life, but has put significant financial backing behind the studies using adult stem cells or new ways to obtain embryonic stem cells without destroying days-old unborn children.
Congress has approved DeGette’s bill twice but President Bush has vetoed it both times.
The Clinton campaign released a statement thanking the Colorado representative for her support.
“I admire Diana’s tireless commitment to unlocking the potential of stem cell research and expanding health care access for all Americans,” Clinton said. “I’m honored to have her support and delighted she’ll help lead our efforts in Colorado.”
Last month, Clinton said she would overturn President Bush’s limits, calling his policy a "ban on hope."
"The Bush administration has declared war on science," Clinton claimed in an address to the Carnegie Institution for Science. "When I am president, scientific integrity will not be the exception, it will be the rule."
Not only will DeGette back Clinton’s attempt to lead the Democrats back to the White House, she will also help the New York senator as a policy advisor.
Clinton’s campaign confirmed DeGette will be the co-chair of Clinton’s Health Care Policy Task Force.
Last week, scientists announced that had been able to convert adult stem cells into an embryonic-like state but DeGette said that won’t stop her from trying to make taxpayers fund research that destroys human life.
Looking at the other candidates, both of the other leading Democrats, Barack Obama and John Edwards, back embryonic stem cell research funding.
On the Republican side, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee have said they oppose funding while John McCain has voted in favor of it. Rudy Giuliani has not spoken to the issue much during his campaign.
