Liveblogging the Senate Stem-Cell Debate: Support Depends on Sununu

Supporters of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (SCREA) have been hoping the Senate can come up with an extra vote to overturn the President's threatened veto. A lot of pressure has been placed on Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Sununu (R-NH), as they were considered the most likely undecided Senators to vote yes. The pressure now falls on Sununu, as Casey recently announced that he will vote against the SCREA.

Casey, who is Catholic and opposed to abortion, said in a statement released
Monday he doesn't support the bill because "I remain opposed to federal funding for research that involves the destruction of living embryos."

As he said in his campaign last year, Casey noted he continues to support funding for other types of stem cell research that don't involve the destruction of embryos, such as umbilical and adult stem cells. He also said in the campaign that he supported Bush's ban.

"I have listened carefully, especially to those whose loved ones are suffering from serious diseases and disabilities and who disagree with my position," Casey said. "I deeply respect their views and hope they can come to understand mine."

Casey to Vote Against Stem Cell Bill [Yorkshire Dispatch]