Wis. Senate hopeful Johnson opposes federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells

Johnson opposes funding for embryonic stem cells

MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson says he opposes federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells. The Republican says the research involves creating life by destroying it.

Some people argue that embryonic stem-cell research is like abortion because it destroys embryos.

Johnson says that eliminating the federal funding will also help balance the budget.

He is challenging U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold. The incumbent Democrat has said he favors research on the embryonic cells for their potential in treating serious diseases.

Wisconsin would be especially hard-hit by the loss of federal funding. Stem cells were first isolated in Madison in 1998, and the work helped turn the surrounding communities into a leading center for stem-cell research.

Online:

Ron Johnson: www.ronjohnsonforsenate.com

Russ Feingold: www.russfeingold.org