It appears embryonic stem-cell research could take center stage in the 2006 elections. Democrats are using the issue to divide the Republican vote. A pretty smart move, considering that approximately two-thirds of Americans support the research.

That's bad news for Republicans, whose conservative evangelical base remains staunchly opposed to harvesting stem cells from embryos. A lot of Republicans rode to victory on the pro-life wave, but now they're faced with some tough decisions. Do they continue to appease the evangelical right and risk alienating Republicans who support the research? Or do they take a chance on losing the evangelical vote by supporting embryonic stem-cell research?

Some will likely take their cue from Senator Jim Talent, who's elevating fence straddling to a fine art. He has yet to come out on either side of the issue, leaving voters grumbling on both sides. Hate to tell you, Senator Talent, but there's no running away from this one. Your evasion tactic could blow up in your face as your constituents lose patience with your cowardice.

Why can't politicians just stand for something instead of constantly being buffeted about by the winds of public opinion? Of course, the downside to that is a politician like "W" who stands by his ill-informed opinions in the face of irrefutable fact. No running from this one, either. We just can't win with politicians.