MORE ON STEM CELL POLITICS:
Supporters of legislation to expand federally funded stem cell research expressed optimism Sunday that fresh support from the Senate’s top Republican, Majority Leader Bill Frist, would help them build a veto-proof majority in Congress.
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), a key proponent of stem cell research, says at least 62 senators now support his bill to expand federal funding and he hopes to reach 67 — the number needed to override a presidential veto. . . .
Despite opposition from President Bush and antiabortion groups, a growing number of Republicans have said they support the expansion of federal research funding. Proponents say the research offers promise for treating diseases including cancer, diabetes and Parkinson’s. Opponents, who believe that life begins at conception, oppose destroying human embryos to extract stem cells.
Citing his expertise as a physician, Frist withdrew his support Friday for Bush’s stem cell policy, which restricts research funding to cell lines established by 2001.
A veto-proof majority in the House is, I think, out of the question. But will Bush really cast his first veto ever on this issue? And what will happen to the Republicans if he does?
