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Ted K Promises Senate Action on Stem Cell Measure
By Brett Arends
Boston Herald
07 June 2005
How important is stem cell research?
According to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), "there is nothing more important for us (in the Senate) to do right now" than pass a controversial bill expanding federal support for research using embryonic stem cells.
Energy, transportation or the judiciary: Kennedy said none ranked as high on his list of priorities. The old liberal lion - not always seen as the businessman's best friend in politics - made his remarks yesterday at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Stem cell research could cure illnesses ranging from Alzheimer's disease to diabetes.
But opponents argue it would do so at the unacceptable cost of destroying embryonic life.
However, Kennedy said that if conservative Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) blocks stem cell legislation, "We'll add it to a bill. We don't intend to be silent about this."
Kennedy also praised Beacon Hill legislators for recently overriding Gov. Mitt Romney's veto of a bill allowing greater freedom for stem cell research in the Bay State.
Caption: POINT MAN: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce head Paul Guzzi talks with Sen. Edward Kennedy, who spoke to the business group yesterday. Staff photo by Michael Fein
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