StemPAC: Fighting Back

StemPAC, an effort to fight back for stem cell research, was formed by long time political activists who have helped lead some of the most successful grassroots movements in recent history. Our coalition includes professional political consultants, scientists, and patient advocates who all believe that it is time to fight back against those who have been holding up the promise of stem cell research. We will do whatever we can to educate our elected officials about the importance of sensible stem-cell laws -- and to hold accountable those who refuse to learn.

For Us, It's Personal

While our ranks include political professionals, for us this isn't about business -- it's very personal. John Hlinko started StemPAC after his young nephew Benjamin Margulies was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare genetic disease for which stem cells hold the potential for a cure. Unfortunately, Benjy lost his battle after a brave fight. But the fight for all of us at StemPAC continues in Benjy's honor. It's a fight to make sure that our best scientists are finally free to conduct this promising research -- and a fight to make sure that others like Benjy will have access to the cures they need.

Other members of the team have all been touched themselves by a range of injuries and diseases. For us, this fight is about our families, our friends, and in some cases -- our lives.

The StemPAC Team:

• John Hlinko: VP with Grassroots Enterprise, an early leader of MoveOn.org, and founder of the Draft Wesley Clark campaign
• Kevin McCann: Also of Grassroots Enterprise, and founder of the Fair Deal for Newfoundland campaign
• Allyson Kapin:  Online marketing consultant to a number of national organizations.
• Bud Jackson: Award-winning national media consultant, and head of The Jackson Group
• Sabrina Cohen : Associate Director, Genetics Policy Institute
• Bill Romjue:  Biotech leader
• Sanford Dickert: Chief Technology Officer of the Kerry Campaign and Director of Internet Strategy for the Deutsch for Senate Campaign -- responsible for the integration of technology-enabled grassroots marketing solutions into activism campaigns
• Georgia Sullivan: Chief fundraiser for the Draft Wesley Clark movement, an effort that raised nearly $2 million in pledges for a Clark candidacy. She has over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and strategic planning

The StemPAC Advisory Board:

• Chris Bell : Former Congressman, and candidate for governor of Texas.
• Frank L. Cocozzelli: Stem cell activism pioneer, and co-founder of the Committee for the Advancement of Stem Cell Research.
• Dr. Evan Synder :  Formerly of Harvard Medical School, recruited in 2001 to the Burnham Institute as professor and director of the Stem Cells and Regeneration program.
• Mike Veon : Pennsylvania State Representative and Minority Whip
• Markos Moulitsas Zuniga:  Founder of Daily Kos, the highest trafficked blog on the Web 

Media Inquiries:

If you are a member of the media seeking more information on StemPAC, please contact John Hlinko, at John@StemPAC.com, or 202-744-6525

Legally, StemPAC is structured as a 527 Committee.

StemPAC Allies

There are a number of great organizations working on various fronts of the stem cell fight.  Here are some additional ones we recommend checking out:

• SCAN - The Stem Cell Action Network is a community of the patients, family and friends who may one day benefit from the treatments produced by stem cell research. Our purpose is to educate, empower and mobilize that community to advance the research.
• Genetics Policy Institute
• StemCellPage.com: A Collection of editorials on stem cell research
• Children's Neurobiological Solutions - Children's Neurobiological Solutions Foundation is dedicated to accelerating medical research for pediatric brain repair and regeneration, seeking treatments and cures for the nation's 14 million children suffering from neurological disorders.