There were only 14 of them, but they are names we should not forget -- the Democrats in the House of Representatives who voted yesterday to support George W. Bush's veto of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. While their votes would have made no difference in the outcome -- there were nowhere near enough supporters to reach the two-thirds majority required to override Bush's foolish choice -- this is a stain these 14 should permanently carry on their Congressional resumes.

They are:

• Jerry Costello (IL)
• Lincoln Davis (TN)
• Tim Holden (PA)
• Marcy Kaptur (OH)
• Dale Kildee (MI)
• Daniel Lipinski (IL)
• Jim Marshall (GA)
• Mike McIntyre (NC)
• Alan Mollohan (WV)
• James Oberstar (MN)
• Collin Peterson (MN)
• Nick Rahall (WV)
• Bart Stupak (MI)
• Gene Taylor (MS)

And thus the need to win back a healthy majority in the House over the next four to six years is once again brought into specific relief. We need these 14 in our numbers now, but if we can go up 20 to 30 seats in the next few years, it will be a pleasure to kick their asses to the curb and be able to cite this vote when that happens.

You can reach Bob Geiger at geiger.bob@gmail.com