GOP Fissure on Stem Cell Vote Likely
WASHINGTON — After almost a year of silence on the issue, the Senate is on the brink of approving an expansion of federal support for embryonic stem cell research -- a measure that bitterly divides the Republican Party, pits Congress against the White House and is almost certain to be blocked by the first veto of George W. Bush's presidency.
The issue, which is scheduled to come before the Senate this week, is forcing Republicans to make a dicey choice between two potent political constituencies: social conservatives who believe the research is immoral, and advocates for patients with debilitating diseases, who have won the support of prominent Republicans as well as Democrats.
The issue is also forcing political candidates nationwide to take sides in a debate that is shot through with emotion, religious fervor and scientific nuances.
In Missouri, Sen. Jim Talent -- one of the GOP's most endangered incumbents seeking reelection this year -- pleased conservative activists by opposing a ballot initiative that supports stem cell research.
In Wisconsin, Democratic Gov. James Doyle's reelection bid may be helped by his support for stem cell research in a state where it could be big business.
Across the country, House Democrats are trying to use the issue against Republicans in suburban districts, where they believe voters tend to support the research.
The divisions among Republicans will be in the national spotlight this week when the Senate debates legislation that would loosen restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
The bill, which the House passed last year, is expected to pass the Senate with the support of prominent Republicans, among them Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee.
But Bush is expected to quickly follow through on his promise to veto the bill.
Some Republicans, especially moderates, fear a veto would reinforce Democrats' argument that the GOP is beholden to the religious right and is obstructing scientific progress.
"That's a bad issue to make your first veto," Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.) said.
But for many social conservatives, the veto would be a powerful statement of principle.
"For the president, this is really an ethical line that shouldn't be crossed," said David Christensen, director of congressional relations for the Family Research Council, a conservative advocacy group.
