Expanded Stem Cell Research

For the first time, stem cell research was regarded as a major election-year wedge issue that distinguished political candidates from each other. In response, candidates across the country defined, and in some cases re-defined, their positions on stem cell research. The media spotlight was focused on Parkinson’s disease and the hope that stem cell research offers for a cure after PAN supporter and friend Michael J. Fox appeared in a series of political advertisements in October. The national discourse and awareness about Parkinson’s disease quickly became a broader media story in which PAN advocates played a strong role. PAN advocates continued educating their communities about Parkinson’s disease through letters to the editor, print, broadcast, and internet-based media. We stand with Michael J. Fox and the entire Parkinson’s community in appreciation for the increased awareness that has been brought to Parkinson’s disease.

The voting electorate, in reaction to the all the issues, responded by resoundingly electing new blood to Congress, and especially voiced support for expanded embryonic stem cell research. Among the crop of new legislators are many of the candidates who specifically used their support of stem cell research as a wedge issue that distinguished their platform from their rival’s. Claire McCaskill defeated incumbent Senator Jim Talent in Missouri, Rep. Ben Cardin beat Michael Steele for the open Senate seat in Maryland, and Congressional Working Group on Parkinson’s Disease member Rep. Sherrod Brown defeated Senator Mike DeWine. In addition, our returning congressional stem cell champions include Senator Orrin Hatch, Rep. Mike Castle, Rep. Mary Bono, and Rep. Mark Kirk. Stem cell research also played a prominent role in the Wisconsin Governor’s race where Gov. Jim Doyle was re-elected.

In Missouri, voters narrowly passed the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, which will ensure that stem cell research continues to move forward in the state and that residents of Missouri will have the same access as other Americans to future stem cell treatments that could provide cures for Parkinson’s and many other devastating diseases and injuries. The Parkinson’s Action Network strongly supported this initiative.

Congressional Working Group and Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease

Most members of the Congressional Working Group and Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease were re-elected this year. Our Co-Chairs who were up for re-election, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Rep. Mark Udall, and Rep. Fred Upton, are all returning to the Congress. There were also several Working Group members who did not run for re-election either because they are retiring or running for other public office. As you know, Working Group Co-Chair and founder Lane Evans is retiring due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease. Congressman Evans has been a true champion of Parkinson’s issues on Capitol Hill and great friend to the Parkinson’s community. Congressman Evans’ former district office director, Phil Hare, won Rep. Evans’ seat and will represent Illinois 17^th district in the 110^th Congress. Other retiring members of the Congressional Working Group are Co-Chair Sherwood Boehlert (NY-24), Rep. Jim Kolbe (AZ-08) and Rep. Michael Bilirakis (FL-09).

Party and Committee Leadership Change

The Democrats will become the majority party in the House of Representatives after gaining at least 28 seats, but the Senate majority has not yet been decided as the elections in Virginia and Montana are still to close to call. Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives has already indicated that a vote on expanded embryonic stem cell research will come up very quickly in the new Congress. It remains to be seen whether there are enough votes to override another veto, should it happen, so our work on this issue must continue.

When there is a shift in the majority, there are also changes in party and committee leadership. Rep. Nancy Pelosi is expected to become the Speaker of the House – the first woman to hold that post. We also expect significant changes in leadership in the committees of interest to the Parkinson’s disease community, including Appropriations, and Energy and Commerce Committees. Party and Committee leadership changes will not be announced for several weeks, but we will keep you informed as decisions are announced.

What Can You Do?

With these changes comes additional, but welcome, work for all of us who are a part of PAN. We encourage you to reach out to your newly elected or re-elected legislators and introduce yourself as a Parkinson’s advocate and constituent. Many of your newly elected representatives will be at home until January when the 110^th Congress begins. Make it a point to educate and inform your elected officials about Parkinson’s disease and our policy issues. Also, remember to ask your representatives to join the Congressional Working Group and Caucus on Parkinson’s disease, which will help keep their staff informed about congressional efforts on behalf of the Parkinson’s community.

Thank you all for your interest in the electoral process and for your efforts to grow and strengthen the unified voice of the Parkinson’s community. We look forward to continuing our advocacy work with the new Congress to help find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.