Secretary of Agriculture; previously Republican NE Governor
No new embryonic stem cell lines, but existing research ok
Q: Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support federal funding to create lines of stem cells from new embryos?
A: No. While I do not support research on new embryonic stem cell lines,
I support President Bush's policy to limit research on existing embryonic stem cell lines because it prevents the destruction of new embryos for the purpose of federally funded research.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Don't let judges decide on partial birth abortion
When the Nebraska Legislature overwhelmingly voted to end partial birth abortion, a liberal judge decided they were wrong and overturned our law. That's a trend that is all too common. Judges must fairly interpret the law, not use a liberal bias
to make a political statement, or pursue an activist agenda. I will support conservative judges who interpret our laws based on the constitution. I believe we are a nation of laws and values and our courts must reflect those principles.
Source: Campaign website, www.mikejohanns2008.com, "Issues"
Mar 2, 2008
Partial-birth abortion is a barbaric practice
I ask the Legislature to make a bold commitment to honor the life of the unborn. I, like many in our state, was saddened by the US Supreme Court decision striking down Nebraska’s law banning partial-birth abortion.
My review of this decision tells me that until there is a change on the Court, there is no meaningful hope of ending this barbaric practice.
However, we are not powerless in this area, I ask you to strengthen parental notification by sending legislation introduced by Senator Quandahl to my desk for signature. And in every way possible, I ask you to help me promote adoption as an alternative
to abortion. In addition, I repeat my commitment to sign into law a ban on the use of fetal cells in research that are derived from elective abortion. I also ask you to pass fetal homicide legislation for my signature as other states have done.
Source: State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
