Stem Cells in Ballot Drive
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Argus Leader: In a drive to get an initiative before voters in 2010 that would allow embryonic stem cell research in South Dakota, David Volk is convinced he has tapped into a wellspring of enthusiasm. "For 40 years I've been in South Dakota politics in one form or another. I've never been involved in a campaign for a candidate or an issue campaign where I've had this response," says the former state treasurer, who suffered from cancer, an area of inquiry for stem cell research. Since word of the initiative campaign has been spreading, people across South Dakota from both political parties have approached him offering support. Almost invariably they bear tales of family members and friends who have suffered or died of diseases embryonic stem cell research offers hope of curing, Volk says.
However, medical research leaders wonder how many South Dakota scientists at Sanford Health and the University of South Dakota who could benefit if the state prohibition against embryonic stem cell research is overturned would take advantage of it. "For us, we have not had people working in those areas. It is not a high priority. It is just not the direction we're headed," says Ben Perryman, Sanford Health Vice President for Research. This despite the fact Sanford, propelled by a $400 million gift from T. Denny Sanford, is committed to attempting to cure juvenile diabetes. Stem cell research is a focus of that effort at other institutions.
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