Stem Cell Initiative Attracts Backers

The opposition to the initiative, Proposition 71, has reported $75,000.

The case for spending billions on stem cell research will be made throughout the fall with a "very aggressive paid media campaign including television, radio and mail," said Fiona Hutton, a spokeswoman for the Yes on 71 campaign

With far less money in the bank, those working against the measure said their side will focus on getting its message across through news coverage, talk radio and other means that do not involve paid advertising.

"This is one that's not going to be bought and paid for by the side that can buy the most paid TV ads," said Wayne Johnson, a Republican consultant who is helping coordinate the campaign against Proposition 71.

Many donors favoring the initiative have family members who suffer from diseases they believe stem cell research could help cure. Other donors include venture capitalists and people with ties to the technology and biotechnology industries.

In August, the initiative's backers raised more than $2.1 million, including a $400,000 donation from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, $100,000 from Sen. Jon Corzine (D-N.J.) and more than $51,000 from Los Angeles billionaire Eli Broad.

In addition, EBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife, Pamela, have donated more than $1 million. The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, based in New York, has donated $1 million. So too did John and Ann Doerr, generous donors to Democratic party causes. John Doerr is a venture capitalist and investor in Google.

Much of the seed money for the proposition came from Robert Klein II, a Fresno real estate developer who has given more than $1.5 million. His son has juvenile diabetes and his father suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

For many who have given money to help pass the initiative, the potential promise of stem cell research is deeply emotional.

Jackie Scandalios of Atherton, Calif., said she tracked down Proposition 71 organizers earlier this year to donate $100.

"We have a daughter who is very ill with lupus," said Scandalios. "It seems [this research] may probably be a last resort."