New Jersey voters nixed Governor Jon Corzine's proposal to borrow $450 million over 10 years to fund stem cell research yesterday (November 6).

Voters defeated the measure by a 53-47 margin.

Corzine introduced the proposal in July, and supporters argued it would serve as an economic boon to the state. California, New York, and Massachusetts have already devoted extensive funds to stem cell research.

According to the New York Times, this was the first time in 17 years that New Jersey voters rejected a statewide ballot question.

Critics of the bill said the measure was too expensive, and opponents (including conservatives and anti-abortionists) campaigned against it.