Specter embraced by the stem cell community

After Senator Arlen Specter announced his support for the creation of an agency that would be dedicated to awarding grants for biotech companies in dire need of cash, the stem cell blogosphere was quick to embrace him as a hero to the scientific community.
What exactly is it about Specter that makes him stand out among other stem cell advocates?
For the most part, the fact that he is a Republican.
Specter's vote could help break crucial deadlocks in the Senate when it comes to issues involving stem cell research and biotech funding.
Arlen Specter, two-time cancer survivor, is rapidly becoming the political face of stem cell research, despite the fact that his fellow Republicans have expressed their displeasure.
Specter originally caused a controversy within his party after securing stimulus money for the National Institutes of Health.
And to think, they call John McCain the maverick.

Tom Coburn to run for re-election in 2010

 

Senator Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican, said on Monday (6/1/09) that he plans to run for a second term in 2010.

No other candidates have announced plans to seek the post in 2010.

Coburn, a physician and an obstetrician by training, has strongly opposed embryonic stem cell research, claiming adult stem cells have already shown to be effective.

Congress Cracks Down on Credit-Card Issuers

A major reform of the credit-card industry by the U.S House and Senate will limit practices like abruptly hiking interest rates, peddling cards to minors, and issuing confusing agreements.

The bill would take effect in 2010.

The banking industry warned that more credit card applications would be rejected as a result.

UCF’s Dr. Aubrey Jewett on Senate switch

Dr. Aubrey Jewett was a professor of mine at the University of Central Florida. He may know more about Congress than some of its members!

Dr. Aubrey Jewett says if Democrats can win a contested senate seat in Minnesota and have 60 votes in the US Senate - they'll wield almost unlimited power. According to Jewett, this would allow them to pass the biggest items on the Obama's agenda.

Full Story: UCF political scientist talks US Senate shakeup

Arlen Specter Leaves GOP, Becomes Democrat

Republican Senator Arlen Specter is now Democratic Senator Arlen Specter.

"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," he said Tuesday, adding that the Republican Party "has moved far to the right"

If he wins re-election in Pennsylvania next year, Specter will push the Democrats closer to a 60-vote filibuster-resistant majority. He would put the Democrats at 59 seats, and if Al Franken is successful in his Minnesota recount against Norm Coleman, the party will have the 60 seats they need.

President Obama told Specter over the phone that he had his "full support," and was "thrilled to have him as a member of the Democratic Party."

Read Senator Arlen's Statement

Statement by Senator Arlen Specter - April 28, 2009

I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.

Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.

I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.

I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.

I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.

I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.

While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.

My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.

Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy’s statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.

Dr. Scott Noren will be candidate for New York Senate in 2010

On Tuesday, April 28th at 12:00 PM, there will be a press conference announcing Dr. Scott Noren’s candidacy for the US Senate.

Dr. Noren, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon from Ithaca, NY, has been a health care provider for nearly two decades and served the US Army for six years until 2003. He grew up in the Chicago area, and through military and educational training has lived in very diverse communities. He has a wife and four children, three of which reside at home including one of his children with special needs.

Dr. Noren is expected to focus on health care issues and job creation through plans “not dependent on Stimulus Package money.”

Dr. Noren’s blog: http://www.hillarysenateseat.blogspot.com/