harris county republicans oppose cancer

Harris County Republicans Oppose Cancer Research

The Houston GLBT political Caucus has endorsed Proposition 15, the

cancer research bond proposal championed by State Representative Ellen

Cohen. Houston, particularly the Montrose-Med. Center district, is

known throughout the world for being at the forefront of health

research and treatment. It is only right that our city do its part to

help find a cure for Cancer. The new institution proposed in the bond

will also be for good our economy, so why are the Harris County

republicans opposing Prop 15?

Here's a snip form their press release (read the complete statement

here):

It may have world cycling champ Lance Armstrong, Republican Gov.

Rick Perry and former Democratic Comptroller John Sharp as

cheerleaders, but a $3-billion bond proposal for cancer research

hasn't won the hearts and minds of Harris County Republicans.

The executive committee of the Harris County Republican Party

recently voted unanimously in opposition to Proposition 15, despite

the cancer initiative's bipartisan support in Austin.

"By this stance, we in no way are implying or should it be

construed that we are against solving cancer,'' said Ron Brunner,

precinct chairman for the Greenway Plaza area, who raised the

motion.

Ellen Cohen responded:

Today's announcement by the Harris County Republican Party in

opposition to Proposition 15 is shocking and upsetting, especially

coming during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The bipartisan team

that worked on this legislation included prominent Republicans such

as Ways and Means Chairman Jim Keffer, Health and Human Services

Chair Jane Nelson, and Governor Rick Perry, who I stood with today

while visiting M.D. Anderson and urging support of this measure. As

a cancer survivor, and the widow of a man who battled valiantly

against this disease, and the representative of District 134, I

will continue to campaign strongly for this measure. I will proudly

stand with Lance Armstrong tomorrow in support of Prop. 15 and will

campaign for passage on November 6th. I plan on celebrating with

Democrats, Republicans, and independents who realize what this

investment means to cancer prevention, treatment, and the hope for

a cure. I urge people of all political persuasions to support Prop.

15.

Ever since we provided the pivotal support Rep. Cohen need to defeat

Martha Wong last year, the Caucus has forged a loyal partnership with

her office. We're proud of her efforts in regard to Prop 15, and we're