As the 2008 presidential elections near, the candidates have been staking out different positions on issues relevant to science and technology. The nonprofit Alliance for Science and Technology Research in America (ASTRA), a collaboration
of leading industries, professional societies and associations, universities, and individual scientists and researchers representing the physical and mathematical
sciences and engineering, has summarized the respective positions of Senators Barack Obama and John McCain
as follows. Selected key issues most relevant to California are:
Obama: In favor of investing in alternative
energy sources such as wind, solar, bio fuels and greater conservation to offset
dependence on foreign oil. Proposes creation of a Director of National Energy Security in the Office of the President. Would consider nuclear power, but has reservations about safety.
McCain: In favor of using wind, solar and cleaner burning fuels. Would offer incentives
to industries to develop new energy sources. Wants to reduce dependence on foreign oil through development of coal energy and tap existing oil reserves in the U.S. In favor of nuclear power.
Obama: Supports doubling federal funding
for basic research. Would make the R&D tax credit permanent. Proposes creating
a newly appointed Chief Technology
Officer (CTO). Would reform the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
McCain: Would make the R&D tax credit permanent and establish the credit at 10 percent of wages spent on R&D.
Would allow first-year deductions, or "expensing",
of investments in equipment and technology.
Obama: Has called for a 5-year delay in Project Constellation (the Moon/Mars initiative) to provide funding for education
programs.
McCain: Supports current space exploration
legislation, including Project Constellation.
Obama: Wants to recruit a new generation
of science and technology leaders by investing in diversity. Would deploy a Modern Communications Infrastructure and make Internet broadband more easily
available to Americans.
McCain: Would cut the corporate tax rate from 35 to 25 percent and allow first-year deduction, or "expensing", of equipment and technology investments.
Obama: In favor.
McCain: Against.
Obama: In favor.
McCain: In favor, only on stem cells that would otherwise be discarded; would
support legislation expanding federal funding of stem cell research.
