Governor In Tight Political Spot On Stem Cell Research

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appears to be in a tight political spot over Proposition 71, a bond measure that would provide $3 billion for human embryonic stem cell research in California.

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Schwarzenegger hasn't taken a position on the measure and many analysts believe he won't. That's because no matter which position he endorses, he's sure to alienate important constituents.

The measure promises to be one of the most contentious election issues this year.

It pits Nobel laureates, sympathetic patients who could benefit from stem cells and biotechnology interests against religious groups such as the Roman Catholic Church and political conservatives opposed to the research because it involves destroying days-old embryos and cloning.

Already, Proposition 71 is second only to the two gambling-related measures in campaign fund-raising. Supporters have raised more than $8 million while opponents have eked out less than $50,000.

Schwarzenegger has said he supports the technology. His father-in-law, Sargent Shriver, is in the early grips of Alzheimer's disease, which Proposition 71 supporters say could...