By Tom Weber, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – The group trying to get a question on stem cell research on next November's ballot in Missouri has already taken to the airwaves.
In a way, they're the first campaign ads of the 2006 election.
The Coalition for Lifesaving Cures is seeking signatures to force a question that would ask whether Missouri should allow any stem cell research the federal government does.
Former U-S Senator John Danforth is in one ad, noting "my entire life I voted pro-life, and that is exactly why I favor the stem cell initiative. I believe in saving human life. I want cures to be found."
Groups usually wait until their question gets on the ballot before they spend money on ads.
That this group can already go on TV - just to ask people to sign petitions - is a sign of the money it has. Campaign finance reports show the group already has $2.8 million on hand.