The presidential campaign has focused heavily on topics such as taxes, health care, and the elderly. Yet there are other issues on which the presidential administration will have a significant impact as well. A recent Gallup survey shows that science and technology issues may influence Americans' presidential choice.1 The survey reveals that more than two-thirds of those polled support recent budget proposals to significantly increase federal spending for scientific research and development. Seventy percent said they were more likely to vote for a candidate who places a high priority on strengthening science and technology. Three-fourths said they were more likely to vote for a candidate who supports federal funding of scientific research to stimulate U.S. technological competitiveness.
In addition to the general populace, awareness of science and technology's growing influence on the economy coupled with the pending election has been the impetus for a recent National Academies report giving advice ...
