WP: Stem Cell, Clean Air Measures Signed by (MD GOP Gov.) Ehrlich

Stem Cell, Clean Air Measures Signed by Ehrlich
New Laws Push Maryland Into the Forefront of the Nation on Both Issues
By John Wagner and Ann E. Marimow
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, April 7, 2006; Page B05

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. signed legislation yesterday intended to make Maryland a forerunner in stem cell research and to impose some of the nation's toughest air pollution standards for coal-fired power plants.

Ehrlich (R) had telegraphed his intentions on the stem cell bill, which will authorize $15 million for the research in the coming year, but his decision to sign the environmental legislation caught even its sponsors by surprise. Both bills had been opposed by a majority of Republican lawmakers.

The bills were among 16 signed by Ehrlich yesterday; he is expected to issue his first set of vetoes today, leaving time for the General Assembly to consider override votes before adjourning Monday.

With both the stem cell and environmental bills, Ehrlich said lawmakers had "followed my lead" on passing legislation acceptable to the administration. But Democrats said it was Ehrlich who had co-opted their agenda.

The stem cell bill sets guidelines for awarding grants for research using both embryonic and adult stem cells, research that supporters say holds promise for treatment of a range of debilitating diseases....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/06/AR2006040602065.html

too. I'm swooning.

one day he will wake up and realise he's actually a Democrat.

this happening a few years back. I pray the wheel is finally turning.

He started out as a super conservative Gingrich wannabe. He was my Mom's congressman, elected to U.S. House in 1995 - part of Newt Gingrich's eager signers on to "Contract With America". But he does have the brains to sense which way the wind is blowing so suddenly he's pro environment and pro-stem cell research. Let's see how many of the Republican state House/Senate decide to shut up and go along too. I do think Marylanders are smart enough to see through this "deathbed" conversion of the neocons

He's in trouble and he needs to shore up support int his blue state.