The passion of the stem cells

The several St. Louisans in the office are distressed by the news that the World Series is set to be delayed by rain - again. But the weather could be changing political history as well as baseball history.

In Missouri, there's a proposition on the ballot about stem cell research, and it is spilling over into the fiercely contested and crucial Senate contest there. Democratic candidate Claire McCaskill had Michael J. Fox cut an ad in support of stem cell research for her. The anti-proposition forces are now going head to head with McCaskill with an ad involving Cardinals pitcher Jeff Suppan, the actor who played Jesus in the Passion of the Christ, and various other celebs. The ad was meant to air last night, but didn't because the game was rained out.

I have a hunch that this delay is benefiting the anti-proposition side as the ad is getting a ton of free media. It got some play on the Today show this morning. More rain tonight might allow the "no" side to steal another base.

For a more substantial take on the stem cell question, read this Robert Paarlberg piece.