U.S. Senator Russ Feingold says cutting off embryonic stem cell research would be an inhuman thing to do.
Feingold is attacking Republican opponent Ron Johnson over his opposition to embryonic stem cell research. The Middleton Democrat says Johnson’s support for ending federal funding for the work going on in Wisconsin would drive high tech jobs out of the state, into other states and countries where funding is easier to find.
Johnson favors research using adult stem cells, arguing it shows more promise. He also opposes embryonic stem cell research on the claim it destroys a living human cell. Feingold says most experts doing the work feel differently and it’s cynical to use the issue as a political football by thinking they know more than scientists.
Feingold says it’s an issue he’s always supported, but never really fought to protect before now because others in the U.S. Senate were around to champion the issue. Now, he says it’s clear that a new leader is needed on the issue. He’s pledging to make support the research passionately if re-elected.
Feingold met with supporters of embryonic stem cell research Thursday morning in Madison.