Politics

Huntsman Confirms Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge

Huntsman Confirms Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Refuses to Sign Pro Life PledgeFormer Utah governor and current presidential candidate Jon Huntsman has what many deem a healthy pro-life record, but his recent, yet mild, support for embryonic stem cell research and his refusal to sign a prominent organization’s pro-life pledge may have a negative impact on his image among social conservatives.

Huntsman has been open and honest regarding his views on the GOP’s role in the pro-life movement. Earlier this month, Huntsman said the following to an audience at this year’s Faith and Freedom Coalition in Washington, D.C.:

“I do not believe that the Republican Party should only focus on our economic life, to the neglect of our human life. That is a trade we should not make.

If Republicans ignored life, the deficit we will face is one that is much more destructive. It will be a deficit of the heart and soul.”

Watch his remarks below:

Following this conference, the presidential candidate has created some angst, though, for pro-life advocates. According to LifeSiteNews.com, Huntsman spokesperson Tim Miller recently prepared a statement regarding embryonic stem cell research. While Miller writes that the former governor opposes funding for new lines that would harm embryos, he is not entirely closed off to embryonic research:

[Huntsman] “is a passionate supporter of stem cell research,” [and that he supports federal funding] “for lines that have a demonstrated history of success—adult stem cells, non-embryonic stem-cells and certain types of embryonic stem cell research.”

While this point may be concerning to some in the pro-life movement, it is Huntsman’s refusal to sign the Susan B. Anthony List’s “Pro-Life Presidential Leadership Pledge” that seems more controversial. The pledge, intended to reinforce candidates’ promises not to support abortion measures, will likely become a litmus test for some Americans who plan to only vote for those candidates who have signed it.

SBA List president Marjorie Dannenfelser was less than pleased with Huntsman’s refusal. In a statement, she said:

“It is extremely disappointing to see another candidate who is running on a pro-life message refuse to sign the promise to voters that he will act as a leader for our movement if elected to the White House.”

The release goes on to say the following:

Huntsman came out publically not long after announcing his candidacy to say that he does “not sign pledges,” an explanation that is not sitting well with pro-life Americans.

“In order to become President of the United States one has to take the pledge of all pledges: the Presidential oath of office,” Dannenfelser explained.  ”So really, Huntsman does take pledges, just not the kind which address specific issues he will face if elected President.”

Huntsman, of course, is not the only Republican candidate not to sign the pledge. Earlier this month, The Blaze reported on Mitt Romney’s refusal to do so. Herman Cain and Governor Gary Johnson also decided not to add their names to the list. That said, Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, Rep. Ron Paul, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Sen. Rick Santorum all signed on.

With fiscal matters at the forefront of the 2012 race already, it is difficult to assess just how important abortion will be when people head to the polls next year. But, for many, the issue remains at the forefront of their electoral decision-making. While Huntsman — like his peers who have declined being signatories — has certainly disappointed many, perhaps his record on the matter will speak for itself.

Comments (217)

  • LibsSuk
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:11pm

    Rino

    Report Post »  
  • windycitywoman
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:10pm

    Anyone on here who is a Christian GB fan please friend request me on Face Book. We have started a prayer group and discussions on GBTV. For those of you who can not afford GBTV you can stay involved. GB needs prayers in his endeavors, especially Israel and the fllotilla! Find me under Sharon Grek Papucci, Join us in keeping this movement going!

    Report Post » windycitywoman  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:10pm

    Goodbye Johnny!

    Report Post »  
  • CS_GUY
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:10pm

    No signature, no vote, simple!

    Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:10pm

    NO VOTE here

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • quicker
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:08pm

    Hard to see where he stops and Obama starts.

    Report Post » quicker  
  • roadhog
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:05pm

    Just one more RINO that gave Harry Reid $25.000 for his election campain. We want Real Conseritives Not RINO’s

    Report Post »  
  • Eric Von Zipper
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:02pm

    My friends… To Mr. Huntsman I say… Just please go away!…

    Report Post » Eric Von Zipper  
  • affinnity
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:00pm

    I don’t think Huntsman has a prayer of winning the Republican nomination.

    Town Hall & Hot Air Straw Poll Results
    June 2011
    Ron Paul 22.2%
    Herman Cain 18.2%
    Sarah Palin 18.0%
    Michelle Bachmann 10.9%
    Mitt Romney 7.4%
    Rick Perry 6.9%
    Chris Christie 3.8%
    Newt Gingrich 2.5%
    Tim Pawlenty 2.4%
    John Bolton 2.1%
    Undecided 1.9%
    Rick Santorum 1.6%
    Gary Johson <1%
    Jon Huntsman <1%
    Buddy Roemer <1%

    Report Post » affinnity  
    • ZaphodsPlanet
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:22pm

      AWESOME! Huntsman scored lower than Newt. We’re waking up America….. :) And we’re sick of cowardly RINOs like Huntsman, McCain and others. Lots of them should be in Jail…. and not in office. They are a freaking disgrace !

      Report Post » ZaphodsPlanet  
    • Kathleen
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 1:51am

      Ron Paul 22%? I find that hard to believe

      Report Post »  
  • Rob
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:59am

    He worked for Obama…nuff said.

    Report Post »  
  • StevenL1955
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:58am

    This guy is a plant by the DNC, and will more than likely run as an Independant to take away votes, what a jerk…

    Report Post » StevenL1955  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:55am

    I have been privilaged to read the entire DELCARATION OF INDEPENDENCE on my radio show. It ain’t about fire works and food–it’s about freedom and we have GOT to understand this. Out with the rinos and the libs–we are on the edge of complete loss. Let this 4th be the one that we can mark the come-back of our country.

    Report Post »  
    • RushEcho dot org
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:58am

      Thanks for your work to redeem and save America! Keep up the good work.

      KCMN
      1530kcmn.com/ – CachedUPCOMING GUESTS ON “TRON IN THE MORNING” BERNIE GOLDBERG, JEFFERY DEAVER, JANET EVANOVICH, JOSEPH FINDER, … Congrats to our morning host, Tron Simpson, for winning in the Gazette’s BEST OF SPRINGS “Best Radio Show for 2008!” …

      Report Post » RushEcho dot org  
  • 2010GOP
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:55am

    He is a phoney – just look at his picture… can you not see he is a manipulator in chief… just look at his background… can you not see he is a plant for the democrat’s to suck out life from the Repubs… speaking of sucking out life… did you see he is FOR stem cell and won’t say much about pro-life… he needs to go away… now…. perhaps China has a government job for him… again…

    Report Post »  
  • lovenfl3
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:52am

    The fact that the liberal media loves this guy is all I needed to know about him. I love how he’s trying to be Ronald Reagan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_68oow06Nw

    Report Post » lovenfl3  
  • xoke
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:50am

    How to end a republican campaign 101. Next.

    Report Post » xoke  
  • Sky0bserv3r
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:49am

    I’m form Utah, I didn’t like him that munh as our Gov. and he has turned in to such a RINO!!!!

    Report Post » Sky0bserv3r  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:49am

    Three strikes; you’re out, pal.

    Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:48am

    Romney and Huntsman could never win. All they would guarantee would be four more years ofobama and the end of life as we knew it.
    Step aside, please.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:48am

    never forget this guy thinks obama is cool and PRAISES HIM, which to us is HUGE RED FLAGS.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • ccr
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:01pm

      AMEN to that Burnthills! Anyone who “slobbers” over Obama and regards him as a “remarkable” man, promoting Obama’s “agenda” while in China for him………we do NOT need in the WH!! We need a 180 degrees different kind of business/economy oriented person……..that does have character and moral values.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:46am

    I have a better chance at the nomination than this guy. Send me your money! Gonzo PAC 2012

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:42am

    well, there is the guy that splits the vote and could hand it to his buddy obama.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:42am

    This man is yet another “NO!”

    The “YESES” to me are: Herman Cain and Allen West.

    No one else comes close.

    Report Post »  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:49am

      when it comes to AMERICAN men who aren’t running, LtCol WEST would have been a PERFECT STRONG AMERICAN Pres (100% AMERICAN =and= 100% AMERICAN BLACK too!!!)

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:08pm

      @BURNTHILLS~~~~

      I agree with you on Lt. Col. Ret. Allen West!!! He is my man. If he continues not to run, then I will go with Herman Cain. I think AMERICA needs BOTH of these men and right now!

      Report Post »  
    • mossbrain
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:25pm

      NO! to another black president. All it does is incite violence in the lower class blacks. They think they can get away with anything with a black president.

      Report Post » mossbrain  
    • ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:30pm

      MOSSBRAIN, your dry cleaning bill must be crazy with all those white sheets you own.

      Report Post » ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME  
    • beckwill
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:30pm

      I KNOW!!!! Where is Allen West! Why can’t he see he IS the ONLY hope we have.

      Report Post »  
    • jado1981
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:44pm

      I completely agree with you grandma, I hope he at least got to hear the toilet being flushed.

      Report Post »  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:26pm

      @kickagrandma
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:42am
      This man is yet another “NO!”

      The “YESES” to me are: Herman Cain and Allen West.

      No one else comes close.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Canyouhearus
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:25pm

      Rick Perry/Rick Santorum!
      No to Huntsman, Romney, Trump, Gingrich, Johnson, Paul. Bachman, Christie, Bolton,Perry.
      Some I don’t want and some need to be where they are at! Bachman and Palin are great at that they do.
      Do like Cain and West and Pawlenty… but not together….
      Does it matter? We’ll get who the Party chooses for us! Just have to wait and vote against Obama and pray the other choice is good for America.
      God Bless the USA!

      Report Post »  
    • Lynne Joy
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:29pm

      That would be a great ticket.

      Report Post »  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:11pm

      Hey Grandma – I like your choices, hope one of them is the candidate, that will make it certain win for Obama.

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
    • crazedbanshee
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:51pm

      If you are saying no, because of this issue you obviously didnt read the whole story.

      “Herman Cain and Governor Gary Johnson also decided not to add their names to the list.”

      I am very much pro life, but I dont think I would sign a pledge like this either. If someone signs it they are locked into whatever people interpret the pledge to be. It could lead to all sorts of issues. It makes me think of those in the Bible that were always trying to corner Jesus by agreeing with some law they had made.

      Report Post »  
    • shamrockduo
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:58pm

      herman cain also refused to sign it

      Report Post » shamrockduo  
  • ares338
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:40am

    He’s just like all the rest of the politicians in the world. He will say what’s expedient at the moment.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Buck Bagaw
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:55am

      Just another effing “Progressive” Moron. When I found out that this Beck endorsed (yeah I heard Pudgy do it, Mormon Mafia, anyone??) candidate had contributed to Harry Reid’s campaign that eliminated him from any possible consideration where I am concerned.

      Report Post »  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:40am

    Goodbye Johnny!!!! Your toast!!!!! I didn’t even know who you where

    Report Post »  
  • NSDQ
    Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:39am

    Well there goes the snowball in hells chance you had, BAH

    Report Post » NSDQ  
    • momprayn
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:47am

      Yep – this guys is “dead in the water” – no, not literally. What gets me is why and how in the world does he think he could win with all of this RINO stuff???? He is definitely clueless and not in touch & judging from Mormons in his state, they don’t like him either. It bothers me that he must be realitvely sure he could win this way.

      Report Post »  
    • ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:13pm

      RINO stuff?

      So, according to you, you can’t be a “real” Republican if you see the benefit of stem cell research or hold moderate views in regard to reproductive rights?

      Report Post » ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME  
    • Dustoff
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:43pm

      The benefit. So far there is NONE.

      Let it looks like they may have a cure for AIDS form guess what. Adult cells.

      Ahhhhhhhh darn.

      Report Post » Dustoff  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:54pm

      Lets revel in the breath and depth of todays Republican political thought. While a Conservative myself I think having a purity Test based on my ideas is at best shortsighted.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • Revere1
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:50am

      Huntsman will have a lot of difficulty proving to people he’s not just another RINO. http://www.elephantwatcher.com/2011/06/who-is-jon-huntsman-another-candidate.html

      Report Post » Revere1  
    • southernORcobra
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:11pm

      honestly I think he is trying to prove he is a RINO

      Report Post »  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:52am

      Done, hope, nada, finished! Won’t vote for anyone who has an even remote ambivalence towards anything pro life.

      Report Post » Gold Coin &amp; Economic News  
    • Divineliberty
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:57am

      The guy never had a shot

      Report Post » Divineliberty  
    • His Lamb is Satanic
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:03pm

      http://www.michaelsavage.wnd.com/ non liberal page

      Report Post » His Lamb is Satanic  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:05pm

      Huntsman = LOSER!

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:08pm

      As I said before, he and romney are RINOS and no conservative or true republican should vote for either of them.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:14pm

      Or maybe he is intelligent and honest enough to identify that the President should represent all citizens not just pro-life citizens. And please spare me the fetus being a citizen thing as the framework we are under, whether you support it or not, is Roe v. Wade. While I appreciate your personal beliefs and faith, I would ask that you keep them personal. You see your liberty and civil rights end at the tip of the noise of the woman who wants to exercise her reproductive rights. Because that’s where her civil rights begin.

      Report Post »  
    • Leader1776
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 11:28am

      @JROOK
      Ahhh, yes …… you agree with his position, or vice-versa, and Huntsman is immediately intellectual. Can you supply which rule of logic supports this premise? This is a public forum where individual opinion/thought is sought. You can agree or disagree, but attempt to be somewhat rational in your replies.

      Report Post » Leader1776  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:21pm

      UNLIKE HUNTSMAN, CAIN AND ROMNEY ARE PRO-LIFE…

      Herman Cain and Mitt Romney didn’t sign the pledge but that was because their were questions in the pledge that would cause bad consequences. Susan B. Anthony Group would not change those parts to address the concerns so Cain and Romney wrote their own.

      Later Susan B. Anthony told about their discussions with Romney’s campaign and said “Take it or leave it” and when Romney wouldn’t sign it they had to explain and then made this statement: “Romney has been a great ally of ours”: http://tiny.cc/sa1kr

      Report Post »  
    • Duddio
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:36pm

      Yah, he ALREADY had no freakin’ chance to break double digit support….. now he’s an even bigger joke! Shoulda kept his China gig.

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:37pm

      Huntsman will never get my VOTE!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Eric_The_Red_State
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 2:58pm

      Who? Never heard of him

      Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • Dustoff
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:41pm

      That’s for sure. Anyone notice they stopped talking about the other cells.

      Report Post » Dustoff  
    • Goodgriefgeezlouise
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:44pm

      Stick a fork in him!

      I do like Mccotter..I hope he at least becomes part of the GOP ticket..Or is appointed to a position..This guy has alot to offer..jmo

      Report Post »  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 12:49pm

      What a fantastic group of people we have running for President from the Republicans. They cover the wide spectrum of todays Republican Party and represent the wide tent of Political Thought that has moved over from the Democrats to todays Republicans.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:08pm

      On the contrary Your looking at the reason for a second Obama term.

      Report Post »  
    • thinkinghuman
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:11pm

      Did you watch the vid, or just read the misleading headline?

      Report Post » thinkinghuman  
    • RAS
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:14pm

      Huntsman thumbing his nose at Americans who embrace the sanctity of human life isn’t unexpected given the likely foundation for his moral values, the LDS (Mormon) church. Their official position on abortion is what I’d describe as “soft” at best as it only amounts to an expressed opposition with several exceptions when they say it’s permissible that appear to focus more on the social effect than it does the life of the child. Then it essentially says for those contemplating having an abortion to discuss it with local church officials and pray about it and if after that they’re still okay with it, then go ahead. They also say not participate in pro-live activism.

      I expect the thinking behind the policy now is that they don’t want to be bothered with it, but aborting babies isn‘t compatible with the Mormons’ strong emphasis on the family, so they pay it lip service and proclaim themselves anti-abortion. That’s just my take on though, so I’ll repeat what Beck often says. Don’t take my word for it; read it for yourself in the LDS Church’s official statement at http://newsroom.lds.org/official-statement/abortion and beyond. If you can disprove my thesis, please do as there‘s nothing I’d like better than to be able to consider the Mormons truly “pro-life.”

      In the meantime, I’ll oppose both Huntsman and Romney for the Republican nomination in 2012 and I expect a lot of other pro-lifers will too.

      Report Post »  
    • NolanB
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:45pm

      Though I am NOT a spokesman for the LDS (Mormon) Church, I can say, unequivocally, LDS members (who understand, believe, and follow doctrine) are anti-abortion in all of its terrible forms and ARE completely and unapologetically pro-life. Make no mistake! LDS members, and their church, find abortion abhorrent!

      I am not trying to be critical, argumentative, or provocative, but this is a case of listening to someone with a confused concept of LDS doctrines and beliefs.

      From every observation I have personally made, Jon Huntsman Jr. would NOT be an example of a believing LDS member. Harry Reid, it is claimed, is “active” but seems to completely misunderstand every principle and doctrine of his church. No believing and competent member could possibly support the things he does. Although Jon Huntsman Sr. appears to be a true “saint” in all of its positive meanings, his son has fallen (in my opinion) far from the tree.

      Huntsman campaigns as a “Reagan Conservative” but governs like a moderate democrat. Make no mistake, his does NOT represent conservative thought and is NOT an example of our faith.

      As for “those contemplating having an abortion” and (paraphrasing from RAS’s comments) ‘discussing it with leaders and praying for guidance,‘ this would be only in the extremely rare and terribly serious cases of a mother’s life being in critical danger and some other rare instances as in cases of rape or incest.

      I believe this is why Mitt Romney rejected

      Report Post »  
    • Eric_The_Red_State
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:35pm

      R eally
      I nvolved
      N ew
      O pposition

      that we have here….

      Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • Luckywon
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 1:42pm

      my first thought was….. Aaaaannnnddddddd he’s done.

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce01
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 3:39pm

      That is one less canidate I have to research!

      Report Post »  
    • Iman Barak Hussein
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 4:28pm

      Loo-Hoo-Zer.

      Report Post » Iman Barak Hussein  
    • Wayner
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:13pm

      Forget this bum

      Report Post »  
    • Ookspay
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:21pm

      Yep just a puddle now. Get the hell out of the way pretty boy. Go back to taking orders from that “great leader” Obama. What a clown, trying to appeal to the left and indies, grow a pair and pick a party junior.

      This next election will make or break America, GET INVOLVED GOOD PATRIOTS! Or Kiss America goodbye, SERIOUSLY!

      Report Post » Ookspay  
    • bombshelterbob
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:21pm

      We can only hope that he continues to listen to the leftist advisors he has, if he shoots himself in the foot/or a**/or head enough maybe he’ll be forced out. This guy is a Regressive ( Republican Progressive), he‘s the final nail in America’s coffin if elected. I’m not kidding; I had him for a govenor and could see it in him then. There is a real good reason why Barry Chavez thought he would be a good fit in the current junta.

      Bachmann 2012

      Report Post » bombshelterbob  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:42pm

      Zero chance.. Why’s he even running. He won’t get 10 votes in the Blue states..

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • TheCenturion
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 10:58pm

      Too bad, he is such a good………………………….. RINO.

      Good riddance!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:37am

      I don’t know if Huntsman has or ever had any chance of getting the nomination, but I do know that his perfectly reasonable position on this issue is not going to be the reason he loses. You people are deranged if you think that the majority of the public has ever been with you on this deranged anti-stem cell research nonsense. What possible moral objection can any sane person have to harvesting cells from embryos that are going to be destroyed anyway? You do know that right, that when couple shave to rely on in-vitro fertilization, they create a bunch of embryos, and that once one takes and the mother is carrying a child, the rest are destroyed? If you want to think of them as babies instead of just balls of cells and get all upset that these “babies” are being thrown away, that’s your business. But they are going to be destroyed whether you like it or not, so what the hell is so bad about using them for something that just might eventually help some real already-born type people.

      Report Post »  

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