State Rep. Earl Jones says Beverly Perdue was helpful on a stem cell research bill.
After a recent ad by the Democratic gubernatorial candidate citing her support of embryonic stem cell research, her Republican rival Pat McCrory questioned whether Perdue had a record on the issue.
Jones sponsored a bill in 2007 that would have allowed the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund to make grants on research. The Greensboro News & Record reports that he said Perdue was involved:
Jones said Perdue did take an interest in the issue when it was before the legislature. Jones led a study committee that sought to raise awareness of the issue.
Draft legislation that came from that committee would have put tax money into embryonic stem cell research and laid down guidelines for how it should be conducted. By the time it left the House, the bill would have provided only a framework for stem cell research, but backers say it would have moved their cause forward.
When that bill moved to the Senate, where the lieutenant governor presides, Jones said Perdue reached out.
"She called me directly and she had her staff work with me," Jones said. "Her office was the first one to call when it (the bill) crossed over to the Senate."
The bill died in the Senate, however. The Senate's Democratic leadership referred it to a committee on health care in July of 2007, but it was never acted on during the 2007 or 2008 sessions.
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Re: Jones: Perdue helped on stem cell bill
Looks like she was very helpful...she called the bill sponsor?...ok, did she actually call a Senator or two to ask for their vote? Did you hold a press conference advocating the bill? After over 20 years in the General Assembly and as Lt. Governor, you would think she would have some influence over the members of the Senate where she presides. So, either she is completely ineffective after 20 years or she didn't really make it a priority. Either way, doesn't show much leadership.