Don't Worry… Franklin's List Is Never Going To Turn Into Anything Like EMILY's List… It's Not In Their DNA

Of course, when EMILY's List started their incredible work, I never thought they would turn into the anti-progressive monstrosity that have morphed into either. Franklin's List has nothing to do with them, other than the last name. Franklin's List is a brand new PAC dedicated to electing public officials with professional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds. I've heard a lot about them from Blue America candidate Lee Rogers, who went to Washington to meet them. A scientist by vocation and by nature, Rogers looks forward to being appointed to the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, which he feels isn't just a good fit for him, but a good fit for a district with a rapidly growing high tech industrial base. "Science," he wrote, "is present everywhere, making our lives better. Computers, cell phones, communications networks, batteries, food preservatives, microwaves, footwear, medicines, weather prediction, air travel, and countless other amenities we use on a daily basis are due to investments in science. I’m committed to renewing our investment in scientific research, including medical research and space exploration. We should prioritize our medical research on finding cures for terrible diseases like cancer or chronic expensive diseases like diabetes. Everyone of us knows someone who’s life was cut short by cancer or who’s lost a leg to diabetes. We should be making the commitment to developing cures. Our district is home to many industries that would benefit from an increasing interest in space research and travel. The United States must not cede leadership in space to Russia or China."

While Franklin's List hasn't endorsed any candidates yet, there are several promising new STEM candidates who are looking to win Republican seats such as physics professor George Gollin (IL-13); chemist Shaughnessy Naughton (PA-08); as well as the aforementioned MD and medical researcher Lee Rogers (CA-25). They'd be joining great progressive incumbents, physicist Rush Holt (D-NJ) and microbiologist Louise Slaughter (D-NY). This is from a note I got yesterday about the launch from Shane Trimmer, Franklin List executive director:

Named after the famed American inventor, politician, scientist, and statesman Benjamin Franklin, Franklin’s List looks to support and defend science in the public sphere by providing STEM candidates the financial and strategic support they need to run a successful campaign at the local, state, and federal levels. Through this effort, the PAC hopes to increase the scientific literacy of Congress and statehouses across the nation so they can make more informed decisions about STEM-related issues that impact the future of the country. 
"Currently, less than two percent of members of Congress have a background in STEM, yet the continuation of important scientific programs and research are dependent on politicians who understand the intricacies of such programs," Franklin’s List executive director Shame Trimmer said.  "Additionally, lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in statehouses across the country can all benefit from working with members who can think analytically, approach issues scientifically, and fully appreciate the positive benefits that come from investing in STEM."

The concept of Franklin’s List began in 2011 with physicist and current Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL-11), who handed off the effort to run for public office himself. Shane Trimmer will lead the PAC’s efforts in supporting qualified incumbents, as well as recruiting new candidates across the country.

The need for more scientists and other STEM candidates can be seen in the current state of science policy in the United States. Federal government investments in research and development are lower today than they have been in more than half a century. Students in the United States are trailing behind their peers in science and math. The World Economic Forum has ranked the United States 52nd in quality of mathematics and science education. Further,  many elected officials deny the scientific consensus on issues such as human evolution and anthropogenic climate change.

"Science and technology play such an integral part in our economy and society that the future of this country is dependent on policymakers who are scientifically literate," Trimmer said. "Scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals must become more engaged in the political dialogue for the United States to remain competitive and viable. The candidates that Franklin’s List support will have the expertise and foresight to address critical issues and provide lasting, well-reasoned solutions."