Lamm Joins Congresswoman DeGette In Call For Action On Stem Cell Legislation

Lamm Joins Congresswoman DeGette In Call For Action On Stem Cell Legislation

Criticizes Republican Obstruction of Life-Saving Research

For Immediate Release
Friday, July 21, 2006

Arvada, CO - Today Peggy Lamm, Democratic candidate for Colorado's 7th Congressional District, joined Congresswoman Diana DeGette in deriding President Bush's veto of crucial stem cell legislation.

"The biggest obstacles to furthering stem cell research and potentially life-saving science are President Bush's veto and a Republican Congress that is beholden to the extremists in their party who play politics with science," said Lamm. "A vast majority of Americans value stem cell research as a vital step in the development of life-saving medical treatments to find cures for diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's."

An expansion of stem cell research is important because the current policy is outdated and creates arbitrary obstacles to important medical advancements. The existing narrow policy on the number of stem cell lines available for research prevents work on curing dozens of diseases and limits the number of people who could be helped by expanded research. U.S. scientists and researchers are in jeopardy of falling behind other nations if our policy is not expanded.

Rick O'Donnell is just more of the status quo on this issue. In a 2002 Rocky Mountain News questionnaire, O'Donnell stated that he would not support the expansion of stem cell research beyond the limitations set by President Bush. O'Donnell would stand behind President Bush instead of representing the views of Colorado families who want this critical research to move forward.

"Siding with President Bush against stem cell research is just another example of Rick O'Donnell being in lock-step with the failed policies of this Administration," said Jim Merlino, Lamm campaign director. "Whether it is calling for the elimination of Social Security or supporting limitations on a woman's right to choose, Rick is just another mouthpiece for this Administration. Peggy Lamm has the guts and spine to take on the tough fights in Washington and will make the passage of stem cell legislation a priority when she gets to Congress."

As a Member of Congress, Peggy Lamm will represent the views of Colorado families because she shares their priorities, unlike O'Donnell who is just another rubber stamp for this Administration's extreme agenda.

"I am proud to say that I support Congresswoman DeGette's stem cell bill," said Lamm. "This veto will be the first of many for President Bush once we have a Democratic Congress this November. It is time we put Colorado families first and I will work to make expanded stem cell research a reality as your Representative."

http://www.peggylammforcongress.com/index.php?section=news&id=776