As the election season moves into its final weeks, campaigns across the country are heating up. In some states, the debate topics are to be expected -- the war in Iraq, the economy, taxation, and jobs. But in some places in the country, science may play a role in deciding the outcome of electoral races. In Missouri and New Mexico, the politics of stem cell research are a major issue in closely-run races. In this hour, we'll take a look at science topics such as stem cells, alterative fuels, and the environment as election issues.

We'll also hear about a group of religious leaders banding together to face the issue of global climate change. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Susan F. Wood
Former Assistant Commissioner, Office on Women's Health
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Research Professor, School of Public Health and Health Services
George Washington University
Washington, DC

Alexandra Witze
Chief of Correspondents for America
Nature
Washington, D.C.

Thomas Kalil
Former Deputy Assistant to President Clinton for Technology and Economic Policy
Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Science and Technology
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, California

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Rev. Sally Bingham
Environmental Minister, Grace Cathedral
Founder, The Regeneration Project
San Francisco, California

Books/Articles Discussed:

US Election: Showdown for Capitol Hill (Nature)

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth