In Wisconsin, it often seems as if the debate over whether to allow embryonic stem cell research to proceed is a partisan one. Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, stands on the side of science and supports research. The Republican-controlled state Assembly and Senate take the side of conservative extremists and superstitious merchants of fear to oppose it.
But it is important to recognize that, while key Republicans in Wisconsin may be living in the dark ages, Republicans elsewhere agree with Doyle.