N.J. voters reject stem-cell research bond

TRENTON, N.J., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A move to dedicate a recent New Jersey tax hike to property tax relief failed to win voters' approval in Tuesday's election.

Another ballot question, which would have authorized $450 million in bonds for stem cell research, also failed to pass, New Jersey Network said.

Both votes were close and both measures had been expected to pass.

New Jersey voters, among the most liberal in the country, tend to support stem cell research. They are also among the most heavily taxed, which makes property tax relief popular.

The Roman Catholic Church and anti-abortion groups campaigned against the stem-cell research bonding. Actor Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson's disease, contributed commercials and automated telephone pitches supporting it.

Political observers suggested that voters were more concerned with fiscal issues than moral ones. New Jersey is already carrying more than $30 billion in long-term debt.

Voters did approve a ballot question authorizing $200 million for open-space acquisition.