Even though California started distributing stem cell funding this month, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is still fighting for its survival in court. On Monday (February 26), a state appeals court upheld a 2006 verdict verdict by a lower court judge, who said the organization was did not violate the constitution.

But opponents of the California stem cell agency vow to keep tying it up in court, and said they plan to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

In the latest episode of a drama worthy of Court TV, Robert N. Klein, chairman of the governing board for the state agency that manages CIRM, said in a statement after both sides presented their cases that "In the eyes of seven million Californian voters and the Alameda County Superior Court, Proposition 71 is constitutional? The opponents we faced in court today continue to ignore that very clear mandate."

Klein also proclaimed that, by March 15, $130 million in Proposition 71 stem cell research funding will be in place for California scientists. Meanwhile, the agency is running on loans, which it can't pay back until the court cases are resolved.

A handful of CIRM opponents argue the organization is not constitutional. The majority of California voters approve of its mandate. Do you have an opinion? You can post your comments here.