Illinois governor takes stem cell stance

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has sidestepped his state's Legislature and committed $10 million to stem cell research by executive order.

"Whatever criticism and remarks that come my way -- and I suspect there will be a firestorm of criticism because I'm using executive power -- I enthusiastically embrace it," Blagojevich told reporters in Chicago following his Tuesday action. "I feel very good about this decision."

Last spring, when stem cell research bills stalled in the Legislature, Blagojevich also used an executive order to establish a stem cell research institute.

"Stem cell research is a largely untapped medical resource that may lead to cures for painful diseases ranging from cancer to Parkinson's," Blagojevich said.

But critics sharply criticized the governor's Tuesday action, the Chicago Sun-Times said.

"This is another underhanded act of arrogance and abuse of the General Assembly's constitutional powers," said state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, a potential 2006 candidate for governor.

Blagojevich said he took the action because, "It's the right thing to do."

Copyright 2005 by United Press International