FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 25, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) responded to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh’s hateful remarks towards actor Michael J. Fox who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

“It is appalling that Rush Limbaugh would question Michael J. Fox’s motives.  By attacking someone suffering from Parkinson’s disease Rush Limbaugh has reached a new low, and that’s saying a lot.  Limbaugh’s desperate attack shows that the Republican machine has no idea how to respond to a positive wedge issue like stem cell research.

"Anyone who has ever had a family member who has suffered from this tragic disease knows that Michael J. Fox was not faking.  Parkinson’s is a severely debilitating disease that robs it’s victims of their motor functions.  Embryonic stem cell research could hold the key to curing this and other debilitating diseases.  Michael J. Fox should be applauded for speaking out on this important and life saving research not ridiculed.

“Rush Limbaugh should beg the forgiveness of Michael J. Fox and the millions of Americans and their families who suffer though this disease every day.  A good start would be a vow of silence.”

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