The Gov Wouldn't Play Games With People's Lives By Vetoing Funding Of Stem-Cell Research

I'm not big on reposting press releases, but this one strikes me as important. Yesterday, the president vetoed the loosening of federal-funding restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research. Here's what the Richardson campaign had to say about that. Good for them:

Richardson: Bush Turns His Back on Millions with Veto
of Stem Cell Bill

Lifting ban on federal funding for stem cell research
would be a priority for Richardson
SANTA FE, NM -- Governor Bill Richardson today issued
the following statement regarding President Bush's
veto of legislation to lift the ban on federal funding
for stem cell research:

"With one pen stroke, President Bush has ignored hard
science, embraced misplaced ideology and turned his
back on the millions who stand to benefit from the
advances that stem cell research holds.

"Countless Americans continue to suffer from
debilitating diseases while our country's brightest
scientists are denied critical funding needed to
search for cures and treatments.

"Congress must continue to fight this battle,
exploring every option at its disposal to lift this
arbitrary ban and give hope for a brighter future for
those living with Parkinson's, ALS, cancer, spinal
cord injuries and other debilitating ailments.

"The President's veto is not the last word on
advancing stem cell research. There is too much at
stake for Democrats to back down. We must press
forward because that's what a majority of Americans
want.

"And if the President continues to ignore the will of
the people, I promise, once elected to the White
House, I will lift this ban, giving our scientists the
funding they need and restoring hope to millions."

Richardson has a strong track record of working to
advance important medical research. Last year,
Richardson announced a major $10-million investment
plan in stem cell research for New Mexico, which
included:

$2 million to establish a nationally-recognized
training program in Stem Cell Research for medical
students, graduate students, residents, fellows,
physicians and scientists.

$4 million to recruit nationally recognized
scientists. Funding is needed to support the initial
recruitment costs plus provide start-up funds to buy
necessary equipment and supplies, and to train and
develop staff.

$4 million in capital to establish state-of-the-art
research facilities for Adult and Embryonic Stem Cell
Research. Federal guidelines currently prohibit work
with embryonic stem cells in space that has been
constructed with federal funds. This capital outlay
will be used to build a state-funded area devoted to
embryonic stem cell research.