The story of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her pregnant 17-year-old daughter has generated a new level of interest in the presidential contest among pro-life conservatives.

Kristan Hawkins, executive director of Students for Life of America, says she is “excited to see that Bristol has chosen to put someone else above herself and give life to her child. She should be praised for making such a responsible decision.”

In an e-mail statement, Hawkins said her organization, which supports pro-life activism on college campuses nationwide, “is pleased to see that Gov. Pallin and her family are acting out their pro-life beliefs”:

Making pro-life decisions may not always be easy, but are certainly well worth it in the end. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to Bristol, her unborn child, and family. Facing an unplanned teen pregnancy is always a tough situation [and] even more so when in the national spotlight.

Earlier today, I spoke to a conservative activist who said evangelicals are “on fire” in supporting Palin and predicted that her presence on the ticket will drive strong Republican turnout this fall. Former Clinton pollster Dick Morris says dumping Palin from the ticket would be a “huge mistake” for the McCain campaign.