In what gubernatorial candidate Mark Green's campaign decried as a diversion from Gov. Jim Doyle's record, Michael J. Fox appeared on behalf of the governor at a get out the vote rally Monday.
According to Anne Lupardus, deputy campaign spokesperson for Doyle, the stem cell research issue in Wisconsin represents a clear difference between Doyle and U.S. Rep. Green, R-Green Bay.
""The governor supports stem cell research in all forms and wants to continue to make Wisconsin the stem cell leader when his opponent does not,"" Lupardus said. ""It also represents an issue that Congressman Green is so extreme on.""
However, according to a statement released by Green's campaign spokesperson Mike Prentiss following Doyle's appearanc with Fox, Doyle is making a ""last-ditch attempt to avoid discussing his own failed record and ethical problems.""
According to UW-Madison political science professor Charles Franklin, stem cell research will not be a primary motivating issue for how votes are cast overall, but it will matter for an important segment of voters.
""It [stem cell research] will bring over a good number of independents who are highly educated, middle class and upper-middle class,"" Franklin said. ""I think in the moderate suburbs around Milwaukee is where the Doyle campaign has focused this issue.""
However, Lupardus said she thinks the stem cell research issue will be a key for all voters Tuesday.
""This is something that affects families across Wisconsin and across the country,"" Lupardus said. ""When they [voters] are in the polling booth, they are going to think about the fact that one of the candidates will take that hope [stem cell research] away from families.""
In a statement released Monday, Green's campaign pointed out that he has secured funding for a Madison stem cell bank and if elected, will invest $25 million in embryonic stem cell technology that does not destroy embryos.
""As former [governor] Tommy Thompson has said, Mark Green supports stem cell research and don't let anyone tell you differently,"" Prentiss said in the statement.
Scientists and Doyle supporters have treated the prospect of such research with skepticism.
Franklin also said that the recent attempts by conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh to undercut Fox's message are not atypical of either party. He said both parties engage in such behavior when the other one has a convincing ad.
""It was important for conservatives to provide some rationale for Republican voters to see the [Fox] commercial and have something to rationalize why they shouldn't accept the message,"" Franklin said.