Harris County Republicans Oppose Cancer Research

The Houston GLBT political Caucus has endorsed Proposition 15, the cancer research bond proposal championed by State Representative Ellen Cohen. Houston, particularly the Montrose-Med. Center district, is known throughout the world for being at the forefront of health research and treatment. It is only right that our city do its part to help find a cure for Cancer. The new institution proposed in the bond will also be for good our economy, so why are the Harris County republicans opposing Prop 15?

Here's a snip form their press release (read the complete statement here):

It may have world cycling champ Lance Armstrong, Republican Gov. Rick Perry and former Democratic Comptroller John Sharp as cheerleaders, but a $3-billion bond proposal for cancer research hasn't won the hearts and minds of Harris County Republicans.

The executive committee of the Harris County Republican Party recently voted unanimously in opposition to Proposition 15, despite the cancer initiative's bipartisan support in Austin.

"By this stance, we in no way are implying or should it be construed that we are against solving cancer,'' said Ron Brunner, precinct chairman for the Greenway Plaza area, who raised the motion.

Ellen Cohen responded:

Today's announcement by the Harris County Republican Party in opposition to Proposition 15 is shocking and upsetting, especially coming during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The bipartisan team that worked on this legislation included prominent Republicans such as Ways and Means Chairman Jim Keffer, Health and Human Services Chair Jane Nelson, and Governor Rick Perry, who I stood with today while visiting M.D. Anderson and urging support of this measure. As a cancer survivor, and the widow of a man who battled valiantly against this disease, and the representative of District 134, I will continue to campaign strongly for this measure. I will proudly stand with Lance Armstrong tomorrow in support of Prop. 15 and will campaign for passage on November 6th. I plan on celebrating with Democrats, Republicans, and independents who realize what this investment means to cancer prevention, treatment, and the hope for a cure. I urge people of all political persuasions to support Prop. 15.

Ever since we provided the pivotal support Rep. Cohen need to defeat Martha Wong last year, the Caucus has forged a loyal partnership with her office. We're proud of her efforts in regard to Prop 15, and we're enthusiastically campaigning for its passage.