Stem Cell Debate Major Focus of Advertising Campaign by Michigan's Coalition for Progress

KALAMAZOO, MI – The debate on stem cell research, which has become a hugely controversial issue in campaigns around the country, is now the major focus of an advertising campaign by Michigan's Coalition for Progress (www.miprogresscoalition.org). Two new television ads are currently airing in select media markets around the state addressing the issue of stem cell research along with the Republican attempts to allow pharmacists to deny women birth control. Enclosed are copies of the ads which can also be viewed at www.miprogresscoalition.org.

"Republicans in Michigan just don't get it. The majority of voters support life saving research using stem cells. Michigan's Coalition for Progress' ad campaign is holding Republican lawmakers accounting for standing in the way of moving Michigan forward and for fighting against research that could save millions of lives," said Kerry Ebersole, Michigan's Coalition for Progress executive director.

Michigan's Coalition for Progress is a grassroots organization with support from around the state. Since its creation in early September 2006, more than 4,000 Michigan voters have signed the Coalition's petition calling for elected leaders who will move Michigan forward. The Coalition MySpace page has also attracted more than 1200 people. The Coalition has launched television and radio ads in markets across Michigan, along with cell phone ringtones and text messaging, spreading the word that Republicans are standing in the way of moving Michigan forward. They are offering many different ways for Michigan voters to become politically active and people are responding.

"This grassroots coalition is growing and we look forward to expanding coming months and years," said Ebersole. "We will continue to hold our elected leaders accountable because we are committed to moving Michigan forward."