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Koster continues defense of stem-cell research

JEFFERSON CITY – Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Koster circulated a petition Thursday morning calling on Missourians to protect stem-cell research in the state.

The debate over the ethics of stem-cell research have resurfaced in the race for the governor’s office. Four Republican candidates; former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, businessman John Brunner, former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder have all stated they oppose public funding for embryonic stem-cell research.

Koster, however, believes otherwise.

“I firmly believe that scientists are the ones who will make innovative breakthroughs to cure chronic and life-threatening illnesses and diseases – not politicians,” he said in a statement. “Missouri voters showed they wanted our state to focus on science, not politics, when we passed a ballot measure in 2006 to provide constitutional protections for life-saving cures. Thanks to that effort, Missouri continues to be a world leader in cutting-edge medical research.

“Unfortunately, some extremists are once again trying to wage this battle against science and progress. They need to be reminded to stay out of the lab.”

Koster’s support for stem-cell research played a large role in his decision to switch parties from Republican to Democrat in 2007. He stated at the time that the Republican Party was beholden to the far right and that he no longer felt welcome as a moderate Republican.