Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter (R), who is running for re-election, has begun focusing on his support of stem cell research in the final days leading up to the Nov. 2 election in hopes of attracting moderate voters and distancing himself from President Bush, who supports restrictions on federal funding for the research, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports (Budoff, Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/28). Bush on Aug. 9, 2001, announced a policy limiting federally funded embryonic stem cell research to cell lines created on or before that date (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 10/27). After reading about the potential benefits of stem cell research, Specter began advocating for it in 1998. Since then, as chair of an appropriations committee on health, he has held more than 20 hearings on the topic, proposed bills and assembled a group of senators asking Bush to relax restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Pennsylvania Rep. Joseph Hoeffel (D), who is Specter's opponent in the race, has criticized Specter as being "too supportive" of the administration, according to the Inquirer. However, Specter's decision to highlight his leadership role in support of stem cell research over the past six years could put him at risk of "alienating some conservative voters" who oppose human embryonic stem cell research for ethical reasons, according to the Inquirer (Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/28). Proponents of embryonic stem cell research say it could lead to treatments or cures for diseases such as cancer, type 1 diabetes and Alzheimer's, but opponents say it is immoral because it requires the destruction of human embryos (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 10/27).

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Currently, half of Specter's television campaign ads focus on stem cell research, according to the Inquirer. One ad running throughout Pennsylvania features stem cell research advocate and actor Michael J. Fox praising Specter for his support of stem cell research and his role in doubling NIH funding for biomedical research. A second ad, which is being broadcast in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia regions, features a child whose illness was treated using stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood, according to the Inquirer. However, neither ad discusses embryonic stem cell research -- the "most controversial" form of stem cell research -- even though Specter publicly has urged Bush to expand his policy, according to the Inquirer. Specter, when asked why he is "pushing" the issue, said, "Believe it or not, every now and then, decisions are made on principle, not on counting votes."

Reaction
Hoeffel, who also supports stem cell research and lifting restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, has criticized Specter for not "specifically" outlining his support for embryonic stem cell research in his campaign ads. "The only difference is Joe Hoeffel will tell you he is for it, period, while Arlen Specter -- even on the issue of stem cell research -- equivocates and panders," Hoeffel spokesperson Kristin Carvell said, adding, "It is purposely playing on voters' inability to distinguish while at the same time appealing to people who do notice." Jennifer Duffy, a Senate analyst with the Cook Political Report, said, "A bunch of Republicans would say they only go as far as the Bush proposal, but they are not putting it on TV," adding, "This is Specter being Specter. He is not easily dragged by the party platform." Specter is one of only two Republican Senate candidates nationwide who are discussing their support of stem cell research in television ads, according to the Inquirer. Republican Senate candidate George Nethercutt of Washington, who also has asked Bush to relax his restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, in a campaign ad has voiced his support of stem cell research (Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/28).