Claire McCaskill Delivers Democratic Radio Address

This week, Claire McCaskill, Democratic Candidate for United States Senate in Missouri, delivered the Democratic Radio Address.

To listen to her address, click here.

Good morning.

My name is Claire McCaskill and I am running for the United States Senate in Missouri.

Our great nation has always been a beacon to the world when it comes to medical advancement. According to many of our finest doctors and scientists, we are on the brink of life saving discoveries in early stem cell research. This work holds real promise to cure Parkinson's, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and other debilitating diseases.

Next week the United States Senate will take up a bill passed by the House over a year ago. The United States Senate needs to support this legislation that is all about saving lives.

This stem cell legislation will hold up the light of hope for those who suffer and their families. And, at the same time it tightens ethical guidelines for this important work. No wonder this proposal has the support of most Americans and many elected officials of both parties.

We all admire Nancy Reagan for her leadership in promoting this research and pushing this legislation. We must also remember the millions of people who stand behind her-children, mothers, grandfathers, veterans with diseases and injuries.

Michael from St. Louis, Missouri, who suffers from Sickle Cell Anemia.

Madasyn from Billings, Missouri, who battles Juvenile Diabetes.

Cecelia from Kansas City, Missouri, who is paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury.

I have met these people and many more as I campaign across Missouri. I am moved by their optimism about the real possibility of cures. This is about them. They have glimpsed that light of hope.

Also supporting this legislation are major medical and scientific associations and the finest universities and research facilities in the world located here in our country and in my great state of Missouri.

However, despite this incredible support, despite the strict ethical requirements, and despite the lives that will be forever changed, this vote will be close. It is very important that you contact your U.S. Senator immediately and tell them you support the power of research and want this legislation to pass.

There are thousands of surplus eggs in fertility clinics in this nation that will be thrown away. Shouldn't we instead use them to value the life of a man with Sickle Cell Anemia, a child with Juvenile Diabetes, or a woman paralyzed from a spinal cord injury?

If the legislation passes, our President is threatening to use his veto. Please know that President Bush has never vetoed anything. I must admit it is hard to understand that the President's first veto in six years would amount to saying no to doctors, researchers, patients, and families. It would be saying no to saving lives.

This is important to who we are as a nation. Please let your senator and the President know that you do not want America to turn her back on cures, on life, on hope.

Thank you and God Bless.