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SALT LAKE CITY, June 27, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman has in the past voiced support for embryonic stem-cell research, blemishing the solid pro-life voting record he proudly displayed to social conservatives in the lead-up to his campaign announcement.

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The Verum Serum blog noticed earlier this month that the former Utah governor said in October 2004 that he disagreed with the staunchly pro-life Eagle Forum’s stance on stem cell research. Utah Eagle Forum was founded by top pro-life conservative Phyllis Schlafly in 1972.

Huntsman has also been criticized by his pro-life rivals for apparently refusing to sign a strongly-worded pledge proposed by the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) List that calls on candidates to promise to elect pro-life cabinet members and work to defund abortion, among other items.

The Huntsman campaign did not immediately respond to LifeSiteNews.com’s request Monday for confirmation of the candidate’s views on embryonic stem-cell research and the SBA List pledge.

In early June, Huntsman showcased his personal and public pro-life record at the Faith and Freedom Conference. There, the father of seven told the story of his two adopted children and recalled that he had signed “every pro-life bill that came to my desk.”

Despite a peculiar political profile – Huntsman is notoriously liberal in fiscal terms, and was the Obama administration’s choice for U.S. ambassador to China – the candidate continues to garner considerable attention from mainstream pundits as he angles for the top of the GOP presidential pack.

Hunstman opposes same-sex ‘marriage,’ but has also been pegged as a “gay-friendly” candidate.

Meanwhile, Rep. Michele Bachmann, who boasts stellar pro-life credentials, made her official 2012 campaign announcement in Waterloo, Iowa on Monday.

“Our problems don’t have an identity of party, they are problems that were created by both parties,” said Bachmann, another candidate widely acknowledged to be gaining steam.

“Americans agree that our country is in peril today and we have to act with urgency to save it because Americans aren’t interested in affiliation. They’re interested in solutions. They’re interested in leadership that will tell the truth.”