Taking sides on science

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Hot scientific issues, known to stir public debate, were discussed by representatives of both the Bush and Kerry campaigns in a forum that took place today in Washington DC.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science hosted the forum. Henry Kelly, President of the Federation of American Scientists, represented John Kerry and Bob Walker, Chairman of Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, represented the Bush-Cheney campaign.

"Kerry will allow America to benefit from stem cell research," Kelly said, "There is a way to make responsible decisions in this area with spectacular potential advantages".

Walker cited Bush as the first president to fund stem cell research. "The Administration wants to focus on the broad base of stem cell research," he said.

"The big ideas of this administration are security, opportunity, ownership and innovation," Walker said. The Bush administration will continue to follow their "pattern of heavy investment" in scientific research and development, Walker said.

Kelly claimed Kerry intends to pay attention to public consensus by restoring the significance of scientific review panels.

Kerry and Bush's views diverge on ways to address the increasing fuel prices. Walker suggested the shift from a carbon-based economy to one based on hydrogen, while Kelly said the Kerry campaign will focus on fuel efficient vehicles and local biomaterials to substitute imported fuel.