[mburbank]

"Stem cells aren't the exact same issue, but it's close enough."

It's not 'close enough' in that it has nothing at all to with it. Embryos slated for disposal are what you get embryonic stem cells from. No aborted Fetuses in the picture at all. You might as well be saying "The killing of endangered Elephants for ivory is the same excat issue, but it's close enough".

And Blanco. The resignation of two hard right wingers cannot be seen as any indication of the status of centrists, unless you somehow think they are going to be replaced by centrists. The only reason Ashcroft might be replaced by someone to the left of him is that it would be very nearly impossible to find anyone right of him. You think Arlen Spectre will get the nod for AT general? Maybe Olympia Snow?