Ben Carson

Republican Presidential Candidate

Retired neurosurgeon, Johns Hopkins University

Presidential Medal of Freedom,

Recipient (2008)

Birthdate: September 18, 1951

Birthplace: Detroit, MI

Bachelors: Yale University (73)

M.D.: University of Michigan Medical School

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Principal surgeon of the first successful operation for separation of conjoined twins (1987)

Author of 38 books/book chapters

In favor of improving computer technology

and virtual classrooms in order to remain
potent worldwide leader in this age of information. (2012)

Was named one of the nations 20 Foremost

Physicians and Scientists by CNN and TIME
Magazine in 2001

We have a tremendous amount of technology

available to us that can help us quickly close
the achievement gap that exists between our
children and those in many other advanced nations.
America the Beautiful (book), Jan. 2012

Has close connections with pharmaceutical company, Mannatech since

2004 marketing company that produces nutritional supplements based
on the concept of glyconutrition, a
concept Carson advocates for

Company has been sued on several

occasions, including in 2005 for alleged false advertising Carson will
not publicly address his relationship
with the company

Bernie Sanders
Democratic Presidential Candidate

Senator from Vermont (2007 Present)

Former mayor (81-89) and U.S. Representative

(91-07)

Birthdate: September 8, 1941

Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY

Bachelors: University of Chicago

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Huge focus towards reducing the cost of

health products/drugs for citizens

It is unacceptable that Americans

pay, by far, the highest prices in the
world for prescription drugs. We
need to make certain that generics
remain affordable.
May 2015 regarding Medicaid Generic Drug
Price Fairness Act

In 2013, co-signed a letter to NIH for accelerating scientific progress towards chronic medical conditions

Co-sponsored Birth Defects Prevention Act

in 1997

Feelthebern.orgwhere Sen. Sanders

stands on all the issues

Supports implementation of a prize system

to reward medical R&D pushed for legislation in 2005 and 2012 for prescription drugs
and HIV/AIDS research

Supports increased research for pediatric cancer; co-sponsored Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 to establish a national childhood cancer database

Strongly supports stem cell research

Embryonic stem cell research has the support of leading scientists, health care organizations, and patient advocacy groups because
it has great potential to reveal new treatments
and cures for ailments such as Parkinsons
disease, Alzheimers, diabetes, stroke, and
spinal cord injuries
July 2006 (regarding President Bushs veto on The
Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act)

Bobby Jindal
Republican Presidential Candidate

Governor of Louisiana (2008-Present)

Former U.S. Representative (LA-01) (2003-2007)

Birthdate: June 10, 1971

Birthplace: Baton Rouge, LA

Bachelors: Brown University (91)

M.A.: New College (Oxford) (94)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Opposes embryonic stem cell research

Has consistently invested in Pennington

Biomedical Research Center in Baton
Rouge the largest academically based
nutrition research center in the world

Conference, May 2015)

In Fall 2014, released his 43-page Energy Plan

proposes small-scale no regrets programs,
green energy R&D investments, and encourages the repeal of Obamas steps to curb CO2
emissions

(in light of Ebola outbreak) questions the Prevention and Public Health Fund transfers, believes Obama administration has steered funding
towards purposes other than fighting infectious
diseases supported House Republicans
budget proposal to increase funding for CDC and
NIH in FY16 (June 2015)

2008: $50 million investment

2014: $6.4 million towards new obesity and diabetes research program
We must ensure that Pennington continues to be a
place where miracle cures are discovered for the
world and exciting new jobs are created for our people. Our investment in Pennington will help attract
more skilled researchers and provide more than $40
million in earning annually, and generating an economic impact of more than $110 million every year.

Recently stated that climate change is simply a

Trojan Horse that allows government to impose
more economic regulations (Republican Leadership

2008 Speech to Special Legislature

When that same government prioritizes funding

for jungle gyms and bike paths over steps to
protect our nation from possible pandemics, citizens have every right to question the decisions
that got us to this point.
October 2014, POLITICO op-ed

Carly Fiorina
Republican Presidential Candidate

Former CEP, Hewlett-Packard

Ran for US Senate (CA) in 2009lost to

Sen. Boxer (incumbent)

Birthdate: September 6, 1954

Birthplace: Austin, TX

Bachelors: Stanford University (76)

MBA: University of Maryland, College

Park (75)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Breast Cancer survivor; diagnosed in 2009

Stated that the scientific consensus regarding

climate change is real and manmade but
argues that a single nation or state cannot reverse the trend (Political Breakfast, Feb. 2015)

Came out in support of federal funding for adult

stem cell research, as well as embryos that
would have otherwise been destroyed

Stated at the Iowa Freedom Summit (Jan. 2015)

that liberals are hypocrites:

Over the years, the federal government

has replaced private donors and corporations as the major source of funds for basic
science. We have seen an increase in the
money invested in basic science over the
past 5 years. But I happen to be one of
those people who believes that we
should be funding even more, particularly at a time when our national competitiveness and ability to grow and create jobs depends on innovation.

Liberals believe that flies are worth protecting, but that the life of an unborn child is not.
(regarding medical research)

2015, Iowa State Fair: stated her belief that

government must be investing more in basic
science to cure debilitating diseases such
as Alzheimers

2004 CalTech Graduation Speech

Addressed the importance of basic science

funding, stating how scientists must become
guides - believes that the gap between what
scientists know and what the public knows is
widening

Chris Christie
Republican Presidential Candidate

Governor of New Jersey (2010-Present)

Former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey (20022009)

Birthdate: September 6, 1962

Birthplace: Newark, NJ

Bachelors: University of Delaware (84)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Signed letter in 2010 to Congress stating

increased NIH funding is necessary

As governor, increased funding for adult autism services in 2012

Author of WSJ op-ed, urging for greater investment in basic R&D

In the past few decades, as government
spending on entitlements and health care as
a percentage of our GDP has soared, investment in R&D has been basically flat. Yet it
this exact investment in basic R&D, in
such areas as biomedical research, that
has laid the vital groundwork for so much
innovation in Americas fastest-growing
industries. America will not remain the home
of innovation if we allow our world-leading
research universities to wither on the vine.
May 2015, WSJ Op-Ed

2014: Criticized the CDC and NIHs Allergy

and Infectious Diseases Director on controlling Ebola outbreak claimed their policies
were behind

Signed the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act in 2010 to help push NJ to be a
leader in wind power

appears to have shifted his view by

repeatedly stalling wind-turbine construction, and
diverting money away from the NJ Clean Energy
Fund

Endorsed New Jerseys University of Medicine and Dentistry Advisory Committee in

2011 for their plan to transform medical education and ensure the states lead in biomedical research

Donald Trump
Republican Presidential Candidate

Real Estate developer

Birthdate: June 14, 1946

Birthplace: Queens, New York City

Bachelors: University of Pennsylvania (68)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Resorted to Twitter to express disdain for

Obamas actions to fight Ebola outbreak
called for travel ban on all flights from West Africa, despite NIH/CDC advice against this dangerous tactic

Believes vaccines cause autism comments go as far back as 2007

Criticizes vaccine administration tweeted,

No more massive injections. Tiny children
are not horsesone vaccine at a time, over
time. (Sep. 3, 2014)

Questioned President Obamas mental health in

reaction to Ebola crisis

I've seen people where they have a perfectly healthy

child, and they go for the vaccinations, and a month
later the child is no longer healthy. It happened to
somebody that worked for me recently. I mean, they
had this beautiful child, not a problem in the world.
And all of a sudden, they go in, they get this monster
shot. You ever see the size of it? It's like they're pumping inyou know, it's terrible, the amount. And they
pump this into this little body. And then all of the sudden, the child is different a month later. And I strongly
believe that's it."
(Fox News Interview, 2012)

Believes and pushes for autism spectrum

disorders to be covered under private insurance companies

Calls womens health issues very important. (Meet the Press, 2015)

George Pataki
Republican Presidential Candidate

Former Governor of NY (1995-2007)

Former Mayor of Peekskill, NY

(1981-1985)

Birthdate: June 24, 1945

Birthplace: Peekskill, NY

Bachelors: Yale University (67)

J.D.: Columbia Law School (70)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Donated $12 million to Cornell University for Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) research project
engineering project underfunded by NSF and
believed to create brightest source of X-rays in
the world
Oversaw the creation of NYSTAR in 1999 (New
York State office of Science Technology and Academic Research) - bridging the gap between
basic science and commercialization
Today is clearly the dawn of a new economic paradigm-where brains rather than brawn, research rather than
resources, will be the determining factors in the increasingly global competition for growth, investment &
jobs. (2006 State of the State address)

Staunch supporter of speeding research development to spur economic growth-spearheaded

multi-billion dollar biotechnology Center of Excellence Initiative in 2001, anchored by major
research centers across NY.

Advocate for increased mental health counseling and preventative carein 2006, signed
Timothys Law, expanding health coverage
to include mental illnesses

Believes one of the most severe public health

threats is the rise in substance abuse among
children/teensin favor of implementing
stronger drug and alcohol education programs

Supports federal funding for climate

change research (2000 National Association Governors Policy)

In 2007, endorsed 25x.25: an effort to

pushing for America's farms, forests and
ranches to provide 25% of the total energy
consumed in the United States by 2025

Hillary Clinton
Democratic Presidential Candidate

Former First Lady and U.S. Secretary of State

Senator from NY (2001-2009)

Birthdate: October 26, 1947

Birthplace: Chicago, IL

Bachelors: Wellesley College (69)

J.D.: Yale Law School (73)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

In favor of increasing mental health services

for older Americansintroduced Positive
Aging Act in 2005

Strongly supports increased NIH funding

Adamant about the dangers of sequestration for medical research

Supports expansion of services for those suffering from autismsponsored Promise for
Individuals with Autism Act 2007

We risk losing the next generation of medical

researchers. This impact is not hypothetical. It is
already being felt in labs across the country. We
need to be very loud and passionate about the
continued research funding that is necessary.

Supports increased research towards pediatric cancer; co-sponsored bill to establish a

national childhood cancer database
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act 2007

Investing in our future is one of the

smartest investments we can make.
2011, NIH AIDS Conference

Believes in strengthening public health efforts;

taking action against infectious diseases

Strong supporter of increased funding for

breast and cervical cancer research

Encourages using scientific advances to

stem global health pandemics

June 2013 Keynote Address, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy event

Active advocate for AIDS research and

treatment

Jeb Bush
Republican Presidential Candidate

Former Governor of Florida (1999-2007)

Birthdate: February 11, 1953

Place of birth: Midland, TX

Bachelors: University of Texas

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

As weve cut back with NIH funding and other
types of research funding, we lose the initiative to cure diseases. And I think this is an
appropriate role for government.
(March 2015)

Supports investment in life-science researchopened Scripps Research Institute

branch in Florida; help create biotech
hubs

Stated his belief that research funding is a

federal responsibility, not state (2001)

As governor, repeatedly cut funds towards

adult mental health for jail inmates

Skeptical towards climate change

Opposes embryonic stem cell research

In favor of adding a long-term spending initiative that invest in long-term research and development

Criticized funding towards womens health

issues (2015)

Floridas growing life sciences sector is

poised to spur medical advancement and drive
economic development through scientific discovery for generations to come

May 20th, 2015: For the people to say the science

is decided on this is really arrogant, to be honest
with you (on climate change)

(November 2006, BioFlorida Conference)

Jim Gilmore
Republican Presidential Candidate

Former Governor of VA (1998-2002)

Former Attorney General of VA

(1994-1997)

Birthdate: October 6, 1949

Birthplace: Richmond, VA

Bachelors: University of Virginia (71)

J.D.: University of Virginia Law School (77)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Former Chairman for U.S. Congressional Advisory

Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities
for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (Gilmore Commission) (1999-2003)

As chairman, recommended various public

health strategies, one being that the Department
of HHS develop a public education strategy on the
prevention, risks, and symptoms after a naturally
occurring outbreak.

Was disappointed in how the Obama Administration handled the Ebola crisis:
More than a decade after the Gilmore Commission completed its work, it is an outrage
that the Executive and Legislative Branches
have yet to address issues involving the
spread of fatal disease in a cohesive way,
and the Ebola crisis offers a mere preview of
the dangers of further inaction .
October 27, 2014Fox News Op-Ed

Opposes embryonic stem cell research, stating, We cant create people in order to experiment with people. (2007 GOP primary debate)

Stated in a 2007 interview that his

views towards bioethics issues such as
euthanasia and human cloning fall with
the pro-life movement

Opposes prioritizing green energy

Believes EPA regulations are too restrictive

Jim Webb
Democratic Presidential Candidate

Former Senator of Virginia (2006-2013)

Served as U.S. Marine Corps commander (1968-1972)

Former Secretary of the Navy (1987-1988)

Birthdate: February 9, 1946

Birthplace: St. Joseph, MO

Bachelors: United States Naval Academy

(68)

J.D.: Georgetown University Law School (75)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Strongly supports aeronautic research

introduced / successfully passed amendment to
restore funding for aeronautic research at NASA
Langley Research Center (FY08 budget)
"This research is essential for the United States to
maintain its advantage in aeronautics technologies
and air superiority within the military.

Co-sponsored Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of

2007

Supports federal funding for embryonic stem

cell researchvoted YES in 2007 to expand
research to more embryonic stem cell lines

Believes in cutting the federal budget by first conducting bottom up program reviews for every
federal agency

Supports using technology to attack nations

problems, but

(Webb Press Release, March 2007)

Voted in favor of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 co-sponsored amendments
to increase investment in carbon capture and storage technologies
However, supports limiting EPAs power in
2011 voted in favor of amendment to halt the EPAs
ability to regulate greenhouse gases.
"I am not convinced the Clean Air Act was ever intended to
regulate or classify as a dangerous pollutant something as
basic and ubiquitous in our atmosphere as carbon dioxide."
(Senate Floor Speech, Clean Air Act 2011)

"First of all, I'm an engineer. I didn't want to

become an engineer. I went to the Naval Academy, and they made me become an engineer.
... I'm a big believer in technology and that
technology can solve problems. I believe that's
possible with coal.
(June 2015, Des Moines Register Interview)

John Kasich
Republican Presidential Candidate

Governor of Ohio (2011-Present)

Former U.S. Representative (OH-12) (1983-2000)

Birthdate: May 13, 1953

Birthplace: McKees Rocks, PA

Bachelors: Ohio State University

(74)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

July 2015established Ohio Federal Research Network with $20 million over next 2
years for new centers of excellence and
STEM initiatives

Expanded Medicaid for Ohio

Supports shared medical research

Co-sponsored Birth Defects Prevention Act in

1997

Opposes stem cell and fetal tissue research

Voted against National Competitiveness Act of

1993 that increased the number of NSF research centers

Chairman, Budget Committee in 1996 approved a House budget that would have cut
(and frozen) NIH budget by 5% for 6 years

2012: as governor, announced a tenfold boost

towards Ohios Academic Research Network
(OARnet) bandwidth to further enhance research and innovation

At the Iowa State Fair (2015) remarked, we

do need to double the NIH budget and begin
to do the vital medical research, and it should
be a priority of the government."

Our state has tremendous advanced resources in medical research that are the
envy of the nation, and this is just the beginning. Enhancing our already impressive
broadband network with minimal investment is certain to reap the benefits for our
next chapter in innovation and growth.
2012, State of the State Address (OARnet)

Lincoln Chafee
Democratic Presidential Candidate

Former Governor of Rhode Island (2011-2015)

Former Senator of Rhode Island (1999-2007)

Birthdate: March 26, 1953

Birthplace: Providence, RI

Bachelors: Brown University (75)

Montana State University: horseshoeing school;

racetrack farrier

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Served as a Republican U.S. Senator; left the party

in 2006 to become member in Independent Party;
switched to Democratic party in 2013 during his 1st
gubernatorial term

Supports telemedicine adopted the Medicare

Telehealth Validation Act in 2002 while Senator

Supports stem cell research; outspoken about

American leadership in medical research

co-sponsored The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 while Senator
Every scientist is saying that the real potential is
in embryonic stem cells. Thats where the real potential is for the cures for Alzheimers, Parkinsons, spinal cord injuries, and cancer. If the US
does not fund that research, its going to go
elsewhere; some other country is going to
take advantage and be in the forefront of curing these diseases.
2006 Senate Primary debate

Supports NIH-funded work in his home state

The Rhode Island Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (RI-INBRE)
was awarded an additional $18.8 million in
federal funding to expand their program and
promote statewide research capacity in the
biomedical sciences

Through this important funding from the

NIH, the University of RI will continue to
strengthen the meds and eds in our sate. I
am pleased that the NIH continues to recognize the outstanding work of URI and I believe that are well on our way to becoming a
leader in the biomedical research field.
June 2014regarding URI NIH-funding

Favors increased studying/research towards

environmental causes of breast cancer
introduced The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2000

Lindsey Graham
Republican Presidential Candidate

Senator of South Carolina (2003-present)

Former U.S. Representative (SC-03) (1995-2003)

Former S.C. city attorney

Birthdate: July 9, 1955

Birthplace: Central, S.C.

Bachelors: University of South Carolina (77)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

The purpose of this caucus is to shine a light
on what the NIH do, inform the American taxpayer that this a great return on investment
about 30 billion dollars a year. I would tell the
American taxpayer for the money that we
spend, percentage wise of the budgetand
its a very small percent of the budget, return
on investment is enormous.
May 2015, NIH Caucus Launch

Co-sponsored legislation establishing

national childhood cancer database
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of
2007

Strongly opposes embryonic stem

cell research

Supports renewable energy

Co-chair of the NIH Senate Caucus,

formed May 2015

Supports increased funding for NIH

voiced concern in 2012 regarding FY13
flat funding levels

In favor of vaccinations and supports its

scientific basis

In favor of increased funding for occupational and physical therapysigned Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act
in 2011

Marco Rubio
Republican Presidential Candidate

Senator from Florida (2011 Present)

Former Speaker and Majority Leader, House of Representatives (2000-2008)

Birthdate: May 28, 1971

Birthplace: Miami, FL

Bachelors: University of Florida (93)

J.D: University of Miami Law School (96)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

"The federal government has a limited but important
role in supporting basic research, and our network of
national labs has long been a leading source of that
research. The INNOVATES Act we introduced in the
Senate would make it easier for our labs to work together with businesses of all sizes to bring groundbreaking research to fruition in the marketplace, create jobs and help solve 21st century problems,"
(July 2014) (regarding The INNOVATES Act, co-sponsor)

Supports basic scientific research and laboratory

work , but argues the federal government plays a
limited role

Believes strengthening research-business collaboration will quicken research-to-marketplace mechanism

In favor of increasing awareness and treatment for

mental health illnesses

Skeptical towards the science underlying climate

change

Chairman for Subcommittee on Oceans,

Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
(2015-2016)

Opposes embryonic stem cell research

In favor of increased development,

stronger stability, and more innovation for
the commercial space sector
To achieve a new American Century,
we need to reduce costly regulations
that hinder American innovation and private sector growth,"
(May 15) (regarding Commercial Space Launch
Competitiveness Act; S.1297, co-sponsor)

Martin OMalley
Democratic Presidential Candidate

Former Governor of Maryland (2007-2015)

Former Mayor of Baltimore (1999-2007)

Birthdate: January 18, 1963

Birthplace: Washington, D.C.

Bachelors: Catholic University of America (85)

J.D.: University of Maryland School of Law (88)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

In 2007, approved legislation to create Marylands Life Sciences Advisory Board 15

member panel tasked with creating
strategic plans to ensure continue
growth in life sciences sector
Launched BioMaryland 2020 in
2009 a $1.3 billion strategy to boost bioscience industry and enhance states R&D
Marylands life sciences industry continues to be
one of our strongest economic drivers, creating
high-paying jobs even in tough times and helping
to feed, fuel, and heal our planet with lifesaving discoveries. Together, we can unlock
our future potential, while offering moral leadership in an increasingly connected world.

Supports stem cell research

Envisions Maryland to be a continued global

leader in bioscience research

In 2010, co-signed letter with 24 governors to

leaders in Congress, pushing for 3.2%
funding increase for NIH

Supports protecting public health and safety

through health information exchange and interoperable communications

Strong supporter for cancer-related issues consistently refused to reduce funding for Breast/Cervical Cancer Screenings
while governor

Introduced his 15 Goals to Build the American Dream in August 2015includes advancing American renewable energy and reducing infant mortality by 10%

Mike Huckabee
Republican Presidential Candidate

Former governor of Arkansas (1996-2007)

Former Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas (1993-1996)

Birthdate: August 24, 1955

Birthplace: Hope, AR

Bachelors: Ouachita Baptist University (76)

Baptist Minister - Baptist Theological Seminary (77)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2002

promoted Diabetes Solution Kit, attacked
Pharma companies
Prescription drugs arent going to cure you.
Theyre only going to keep you a loyal pillpopping , finger pricking, insulin shooting
customer so Big Pharma and the mainstream
medical community can rake in over $100
billion a year annually
2002 Diabetes Solution Kit promotion

Believes in changing health, not just

healthcare

Supports increasing awareness for Alzheimers Disease champion of finding cures

and protecting elderly health

Top aide suggests his support for greater

federal investment in scientific research

Mocked a 2006 NSF study on

how changing ocean conditions
affect animals resistance to disease considered it wasteful
government spending

While running for Senate in 1992, opposed increased federal funding in search for AIDS
cure suggested Hollywood celebrities fund
AIDS research out of their own pocket rather
than federal health agencies

Supported AIDS quarantine in the 90s

Gov. Huckabee strongly supports NIH funding because Americans rely on its innovative collaborative
research for scientific breakthroughs that will help
find cures for so many debilitating diseases. Hopefully one day that will include Alzheimers. Governor
believes we must protect and expand critical medical investments.
Hogan Gidley, Huckabee top aide, May 2015

Rand Paul
Republican Presidential Candidate

Senator from Kentucky (2011 Present)

Ophthalmologist

Birthdate: January 7, 1963

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA

Bachelors: None

Medical School: Duke University

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Questions science research funding

Strongly pushes for increased transparency

of federal agencies NIH and NSF

In his FY2012 budget plan, proposed

drastic cuts to numerous biomedical
sectors:

Everybody was going crazy about Ebola, and

theyre like, oh Republicans didnt spend enough
at the NIH. Turns out, the budget had been going
up for years and years at NIH, the budget had
been going up for infectious disease. You know
how much they spent on Ebola? One-40th of the
budget was being spent on Ebola. But you know
what we did discover? They spent a million dollars trying to determine whether male fruit flies

NSF by 62%, NASA by 25%, FDA by 20%, NIH by

like younger female fruit flies

20%, Dept. of Agriculture by 49%, CDC by 20%, elimination of Dept. of Energy

Similarly, the National Institutes of Health has
engaged in the funding of wasteful projects like
$258,000 on a website for the first lady's White
House garden . In the new Congress, Republicans, the party of limited government, should
propose legislation to eliminate the funding of
wasteful projects--and focus on smart investments instead.
(January 2015, POLITICO Op-Ed)

(February 2015, American Spectator Gala)

Falsely claims the NIH budget has been

increasing for years

Has mocked scientific studies on

multiple occasions

Member of American Physicians and

Surgeons (AAPS) a group that works
to fight socialized medicine and government takeover of medicine

Rick Perry
Republican Presidential Candidate

Former Governor of Texas (2000-2014)

Prior Offices: Lieutenant Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, and Texas House of Representatives
(1984-2000)

Birthdate: March 4, 1950

Birthplace: Paint Creek, TX

Bachelors: Texas A&M University (72)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

As governor, signed a budget that provided an

additional $1 billion to health programs,

In favor of returning Medicare/Medicaid to state

authority

invested $3 million towards the Center for Cell

and Organ Biotechnology

Created the Texas Emerging Technology Fund

(TETF) advisory committee that reviews potential research projects and makes funding recommendations

Stressed the importance of university research:

University research is the lifeblood of our states innovation,
medical treatments and job creation. As governor, I have prioritized university research with hundreds of millions of dollars of
state-funded grants from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund
and Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, while
putting more Texas universities on the path to Tier One status
through the National Research University Fund.
(Op-Ed article, May 2011)

"The investment is all a part of the culture

of creation we've nurtured in Texas, built

upon the concept that if you give bright
and visionary people the freedom to
innovate and pursue their dreams,
good things will happen. I could not be
prouder that this life-affirming research
will be conducted here in our state, and I
can't wait to see it put into action."
Sep. 2013 (on CCOB investment)

issued an executive order making the cervical cancer vaccine

mandatory for Texas girls (2007)

Months later however, because

of backlash/criticism, allowed
passage of bill to undo executive order

RICK SANTORUM
Republican Presidential Candidate

Former Senator of Pennsylvania (1995-2007)

Former U.S. Representative (PA-18) (1991-1995)

Birthdate: May 10, 1958

Birthplace: Winchester, VA

Bachelors: Pennsylvania State University (80)

Masters (MBA): University of Pittsburgh (81)

J.D.: Dickinson School of Law (86)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Strongly supported the Responsible Stem Cell

Research Act of 2001requiring Secretary of
HHS to maintain a stem cell donor bank with stem
cells derived from adult tissues, placentas, and
umbilical cord blood; a 50% increase in NIH funding for this research

However, strongly opposes embryonic stem cell

research - introduced the Alternative Pluripotent
Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act in 2006

In 1998, supported doubling the NIH budget

over a 5-year period (up to $27.2 billion, FY 03)

While running for President in 2012, however,

promised to lower federal non-discretionary
spending to FY 2008 levels. This would have
cut NIH funding by 7%

Co-sponsored Combating Autism Act in 2006

Called for $176 million dollars annually for the
next five years to support autism research/
screening

Introduced the Biotechnology Future Investment Expansion Act (S.1773) in 2003 and
2005encourage biotech research and combat
its financial hurdles
These limitations unintentionally discourage biotechnology research and leave the firms that would otherwise conduct that research in dire financial straits.
Without these firms, the money that is being
poured into research at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) and elsewhere to combat diseases
such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, cardiovascular
ailments, diabetes, and central nervous system
disorders, as well as many rare diseases, will
have a significantly reduced potential to lead to
new cures. We may never know what cures will be
lost without action.
(October 2003, on S.1773)

Scott Walker
Republican Presidential Candidate

Governor of Wisconsin (2011-Present)

Former Milwaukee County Executive (2002-2010)

Served in Wisconsin State Assembly (1993-2002)

Birthdate: November 2, 1967

Birthplace: Colorado Spring, CO

Bachelors: None

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Supports adult stem cell research, but opposes embryonic stem cell research

Selectively quoted the NIH on campaign website

to distinguish between the two

however, site failed to mention that embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body,
whereas adult stem cells are limited to differentiating
into cell types of their tissue of origin
Scientists have shown us that the greater

possibilities, the real science movement,

has been with adult stem cell research. It
has not been with embryonic. Thats not a
political statement; thats a statement of scientific fact out there.
October 2010 news conference

Opposes clean power legislation, as

well as most bills aimed at curbing climate change

2015 budget eliminates half of the state

Department of Natural Resources science
staff scientists fear for their jobs; opponents warn of future, costly environmental
damage

Supports the groundbreaking research

done in his state in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases
Both of these institutions have conducted
groundbreaking research in this area, and
through this collaboration, they hope to develop ways to not only slow down the pace of
Alzheimers and other neurodegenerative disease, but also enable early diagnosis. Every
67 seconds someone in the U.S. develops
Alzheimers, and we must use every means
possible to fight this disease that not only
kills, but also drastically reduces ones
quality of life.
April 2015, Memorandum of Understanding
signing

Ted Cruz
Republican Presidential Candidate

Senator from Texas (2013Present)

Former Solicitor General of Texas (2003-2008)

Birthdate: December 22, 1970

Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Bachelors: Princeton University (92)

J.D.: Harvard (95)

Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research

Science needs to drive NASAs mission rather than the political winds of Washington.

Chairman of the Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee (2015-2016)

(Feb. 2015, Senate Commerce Hearing)

Argues that Earth Science is not a hard science

Criticizes Obama Administration for increasing

funding NASAs Earth Science program

Strongly supports space exploration, encouraging increased funding for planetary science,
heliophysics, and astrophysics

Recognizes U.S. biomedical research and innovation has been lagging in

recent years

Supports the development and investment

in biomedical cures

Skeptical towards climate change sees

this research as both extraneous and a
political distraction

The path to achieving cures is long and capital

intensive. Yet often it seems that when it comes
to medical research we are penny wise and
pound foolish. We pay billion and trillions on the
back-enddealing with the consequences of
these horrific diseasesrather than investing
and creating incentives on the front-end, to cure
these diseases once and for all.
(July 2015, Senate Commerce Hearing)