Science 2006

For too long scientists have approached politics with one hand tied behind their backs. This November, Chris Mooney says, that's going to change.

Scientists and Engineers for Change formed to support the election of John Kerry in 2004. Today it has reemerged bearing a new strategy, a new name—Scientists and Engineers for America—and a new attitude, one reflecting the idea that, to flex their political muscles, scientists need to do a lot more than simply give talks. Mike Brown, a lawyer and political consultant who directed the successful 2004 congressional election campaign of Jim Moran (D-VA), is the group's new executive director. Making the news with petitions and talks is fine, he says, but "you have to have follow-up and make sure that these moves really lead to electoral action." Brown hopes Scientists and Engineers for America can build upon the experience of the 2004 election, channeling outrage over repeated attacks on science in Congress and the executive branch into actual votes in 2006 and beyond.