NJ-Gov: Forrester Desperate, Flip-Flops on Stem Cells

Doug Forrester's campaign is getting desperate in the final days running up to the NJ gubernatorial election. While Forrester stuck with the GOPist position of opposing embryonic stem-cell research to get through the primary, Doug has finally realized that New Jersey voters are not prepared to take a step backwards and affirm the policies of the Bush Administration.

Newark Star-Ledger Article (free reg may be required)

Not only has Forrester flipped on stem-cells, it looks like Forrester is turning around on other scientific issues, stating that his views on stem-cell research have "evolved." First stem-cells, then evolution, what's next?!

But seriously, this shows that the Forrester campaign is truly desperate. To change a position that Forrester has held for many years nearly 10 days before the election does not bode well for Forrester. While he will lose very few votes from the Right because of this change, I think he does stand to lose votes from the Middle, who might view Forrester's change as a sign of weakness and political opportunism, especially with the recent Corzine ads featuring disabled wrestler Carl Riccio, and Forrester's subsequent attacks on Riccio, described on this site by other diarists and writers in recent posts.

Yesterday, Forrester said Riccio "is someone who deserves a great deal of respect." But Forrester added, "I don't believe that he has been informed of what my position is."

Maybe that's because your position keeps changing, Doug! Corzine's campaign would be smart to start running ads today with Forrester vs. Forrester.

Forrester, 10/28:

"I've made my position very clear, that, full-speed ahead with embryonic and adult stem-cell research. The ethical reservations have been surpassed by science. God bless the medical scientists."

Forrester, about 10/18:

"What I have found is that -- I think it's more clear today than it was two months ago -- that the embryonic stem-cell research isn't going anywhere."

Wow! In only a span of about 10 days, embryonic stem-cell research went from "going nowhere" to "full-speed ahead!"

•  Great job by the Corzine Campaign

  LMAO. Doug Forrest is such a jackass.

  Other Democrats need to learn from this. The Corzine campaign produced a truthful, effective attack ad on a Democratic wedge issue with great success.

  Embryonic stem cell research is a very winning issue and we need to attack Republicans who oppose it as being anti-science, anti-cure.

  by Scoonie on Fri Oct 28, 2005 at 06:29:33 AM PDT

•  Stem Cells are the perfect wedge issue

  It steamed me to no end the way that John Kerry avoided making a big deal about it.  Stem Cells:Us = Gay Marriage/Abortion:Them.  Most people know someone with cancer, someone who is crippled, someone who is sick who could be made better if stem cells are as promising as we believe them to be.

  Note what happened on gay marriage.  The Republicans came out (no pun intended) with the anti-gay stuff, and we tripped over ourselves to say how much we were against gays too.  Stem Cells - republicans keep having to change their position to keep up with us.  Difference is that our position isn't rooted in bigotry and hate, it's rooted in love and progress.  By making stem cells a big deal in every campaign we may not win every election but I think we will move the stem cell cause farther forward which is a big plus.

  -Fred

  by FredFred on Fri Oct 28, 2005 at 06:31:16 AM PDT

  •  FredFred

    Agreed 100%.

    The majority is with us on the stem cell issue. The majority is with us on being pro-choice.
    Right around 50% or slightly more in this country support civil unions.
    

    by Scoonie on Fri Oct 28, 2005 at 06:35:40 AM PDT

•  It's more than just Corzine

  There is more to the NJ election than just the Gov. race. There are some very important local races that need money and volunteers. Helping local candidates not only helps make local and state legistatures better, but it also helps get out the vote for statewide candidates like Corzine. From my newsletter, here are some local NJ candidates that could use some donations of cash or time.

  by mole333 on Fri Oct 28, 2005 at 06:36:44 AM PDT

•  great catch politburo

  thanks for this.

  and lest anyone think this is just election year politics being played out, and doesn't make a real difference outside the world of consulting, polls, and campaign ads, forget that thought.  Elections have consequences.

  TRENTON, N.J. - A Rutgers University study estimates the governor's $380 million stem cell research initiative would give a major boost to the state's economy in the next two decades and, assuming treatments result, would help many ill residents and reduce health care costs.

  The report, prepared for acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, estimates such a state investment in stem cell research would generate about $1.4 billion in new economic activity in New Jersey from 2006 through 2025. In addition, the initiative would generate nearly 20,000 new jobs and about $72 million in additional taxes and royalties for the state over that period.

  by emptypockets on Fri Oct 28, 2005 at 06:59:39 AM PDT

  •  true

    I think the stem-cell initiative would be great for New Jersey. One thing to watch out for with the Rutgers study is that RU would be the biggest winner if the state stem-cell center is built. I'm sure their study was prepared ethically, but it does weaken the impact when they stand to gain upwards of $300 million in combined investment and grants.

    by Politburo on Fri Oct 28, 2005 at 07:08:36 AM PDT