A few days ago Stephanie told me she supported me because she wanted Texas to be competitive in science, so talented students, like her son, had more opportunities in jobs here. Read below what she said:

"My son, Stuart M.Chambers, Ph.D., is a fellow in human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was born in Texas, went to Texas public schools, received his undergraduate training in Biochemistry at Trinity University, and did embryonic research at Baylor Medical in Houston where he completed his Ph.D. But, when it came to doing HESC research, he moved to NYC because of the opportunities for fellowships and grant money from the State of New York. While Texas researchers receive money from the NIH (federal funds), this does not begin to support the quantity and variety of research necessary to discover information and subsequent cures for some of our most debilitating diseases. Consequently, in order to find a large, prevalent, and organized stem cell research community, Stuart will not be able to move back to Texas with his family, closer to his extended family. It is astounding to my husband and me that a state as large and resourceful as Texas is not as competitive in the sciences as it could be, were there more state funding for cutting-edge research. We need Bill White as Governor in Texas. He proved in Houston that he is pro-business, pro-science, and highly creative when it comes to solving problems. He will develop an atmosphere that encourages and retains our most innovative thinkers, rather than deterring their efforts and driving them to other states more supportive of their talents."