Controversy has spread across the United States over embryonic stem cell research by Hwang Woo-suk's cloning.

The Washington Post on Wednesday said the United States is split over the issue, with stem cell advocates beginning to lobby for state money in Maryland after their bill calling for 23 million dollars on annual spending for stem cell research failed to pass earlier this year.

Heated debates are also underway in state capitals and research parks in Missouri, California, Illinois and South Dakota.

Pro-Democratic blue states that supported John Kerry in the last U.S. presidential election have rushed to grab opportunities in stem cell research, but pro-Republican red states that backed President George W. Bush are against it.