Stem Cell Debate in the States

With all the focus lately on Bill Frist and stem cell legislation at the national level, it is easy to lose track of the fact that debates continue in states around the country over whether state governments should provide funding for researching embryonic stem cells - or, alternatively, whether even projects funded privately should be allowed to proceed. In today's Washington Post, Peter Slevin takes a look at efforts in several states, but focuses on Missouri, where the issue has driven a wedge between the socially conservative elements of the state Republican Party and the business-oriented and centrist portions of the GOP. Slevin's whole piece is worth a read, and may in fact prove prescient of another growing tension within the Republican Party both at the state and national levels.