Ron Reagan 'Comfortable' With Dems, Gillespie Says
By: Steve Sawyer | Source: CNSNews.com
July 27, 2004 6:47PM EST

By Robert B. Bluey
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
July 27, 2004

Boston (CNSNews.com) - Democrats might be privately gloating about having Ron Reagan speak at their convention Tuesday evening, but the chairman of the Republican National Committee isn't the least bit worried about Reagan's appearance.

"I'm not surprised," said Ed Gillespie, the GOP chairman. "Having seen Mr. Reagan over the past couple of decades, I'm sure he'll be comfortable at the Democratic convention. I'm sure they'll welcome him there."

Reporters pressed Gillespie on the subject at a Republican briefing Tuesday morning, but he wouldn't budge. Instead, Gillespie said he hoped Reagan would tell the truth about President Bush's policies on stem-cell research.

"I hope Mr. Reagan is more clear about what's going on relative to stem-cell research, which is being funded today, and not only goes on not only with funding support from the government, but in the private sector as well," Gillespie said. "There is no ban on stem-cell research."

Bush was the first president to provide government funding for embryonic stem-cell research in 2001. He has prohibited government money to be spent on stem-cell research that results in the destruction of embryos, a pro-life position that has irritated Democrats.

Days after former President Ronald Reagan died, his son, Ron, heightened his criticism of Bush on the stem-cell issue. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan also disagrees with Bush.

But Gillespie said the difference of opinion hasn't resulted in strained relations between Nancy Reagan and Bush, even though she likely won't appear at next month's Republican National Convention in New York

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