This is part two in an ongoing series of debates between Tom Kean Jr and Tom Kean Jr. Today, they debate the controversial issue of stem cell research.
Last November, Tom Kean Jr was asked his position on embryonic stem cell research and was indecisive, saying only:
This is a very emotionally charged issue; clearly it needs to be given a lot of thought.
A month later he had made up his mind. Tom Kean Jr, who sat on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, voted in favor of a measure which would provide $350 million in funding for stem cell research facilities. His position was unmistakably clear:
Asked if he now favors embryonic stem cell research, Kean added simply:
"Yes."
On a recent visit to Israel, he again expressed his support for the research and even talked about the difficulties preventing the research from moving forward:
Kean, visiting Hadassah at the culmination of a weeklong trip to Israel, told hospital officials that he supports such research and reported about problems obtaining approval for state initiatives in New Jersey.
It's likely that he was referring to those Senators in his own party who vote against measures to fund stem cell research facilities. Senators such as Tom Kean Jr, who yesterday voted against $250 million in funding for stem cell research facilities:
All 10 no votes yesterday came from Republicans, including Sen. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union), a U.S. Senate candidate.
This debate will probably continue for months, but one wonders if they'll be able to find a middle ground. With Tom Kean Jr supporting $350 million in funding for stem cell research facilities, and Tom Kean Jr's opposition to a smaller plan providing only $250 million in funds, it will be an interesting debate to watch. And that's what politics is all about: two sides, with seemingly irreconcilable positions, pandering there way to a solution. Stay tuned.
