Foes Probe Conflicts of Interest

Opponents of the stem cell agency this morning finished questioning stem cell chairman Robert Klein -- at least for the time being. Tamar Pachter, deputy attorney general, has just picked up questioning of Klein. CIRM foes focused this morning on conflict of interest, particularly in working groups. Largely the testimony was factual, dealing with requirements of rules and how the policy works. CIRM opponents contend that conflicts of interest are so great within the agency that it cannot operate as a constitutional state agency. They also contend that the CIRM working groups actually make decisions not recommendations. So far testimony has not proven that allegation.