Editorial: Legal delays may be a plus for state's stem-cell effort

The delays in implementing California's ambitious stem-cell initiative -- primarily the result of litigation that borders on being nuisance suits -- have been immensely irritating to those wanting to push forward with basic research.

But the delay has had the side benefit of allowing the stem-cell agency to solidify its planning, structure and regulations. That in turn enhances the chances that when research dollars start flowing at the rate of nearly $300 million a year, the state will have a program in place that delivers on its ambitious promises.

Once rid of legal challenges to Proposition 71, hopefully by next spring, California can start to dole out in a single year more than the National Institutes of Health have granted for stem-cell research in this decade. So far, only a trickle of the promised $3 billion in bonds has flowed from the state to scientists.

The delays also give the state time to resolve its remaining legislative oversight issues. State Sen. Deborah Ortiz, D-Sacramento, took a big step in that direction when she wisely agreed to withdraw a bill that...