Why Embryonic Stem Cell research?

I have wondered why funding for embryonic stem cell research is such a high priority for some, given its lack of positive results, the positive results of alternatives, and the serious ethical questions involved.   Yesterday, Lisa linked to Denise Hunnell's blog post discussing Pres. Obama's order regarding funding for embryonic stem cell research.  This is Denise's theory:

Embryonic Stem Cell Research is promoted by those who support abortion. If one affords any dignity to the human embryo in the laboratory, then the morality of abortion can be called into question. Therefore, it is in the interest of preserving the perception of abortion as a moral right that human embryos are afforded no special status in the laboratory.

And, I would agree with her, but I am not sure she takes it far enough.  Despite headlines that said that Pres. Obama closes the door on cloning, I suspect that part of the end game is cloning. (To be clear, I am not saying that the President was being dishonest - I don't know what he really thinks about cloning).  Several years ago, I was in the car listening to the Diane Rehm show.  Richard Doerflinger of the USCCB was one of the guests and the other guest was someone high up in the Juvenile Diabetes Association - (is this now the JDRF?).  Doerflinger made the statement that even if the government funded embryonic stem cell research, there were not enough stem cell lines available to do the research and that cloning (which he opposed) would become necessary.  I thought that even if the JDRF spokesperson agreed with Doerflinger and would acknowledge agreement in the JDRF board room, he would deny it publicly .  Much to my surprise, he agreed publicly with Doerflinger.  The conversation remains vivid in my mind because I was shocked to hear a spokesperson for this organization, which relies I would guess on public support and good will, could without fear of retribution openly advocate cloning - or what they would call "theraputic closing."  JDRF's website says that they oppose a permanent ban on human therapeutic cloning."

Is Denise Hunnell off base here?  Am I?  Why?