AMERICAN elections are generally not won or lost on science. However, some scientific issues are bound to be on the minds of many voters in the run-up to the midterm elections on 7 November. Concerns over stem cells, carbon emissions and energy policy could even play a part in toppling the Republican party’s 12-year majority in the House of Representatives (see “Decision time for America”).
While newspaper headlines will focus on the shifting fortunes of the Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the change that may prove more significant for scientists is happening within the Republican party itself.
After six…
