ST. PAUL — News that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s (R) 17-year-old daughter is pregnant could lessen the enthusiasm conservatives expressed for John McCain’s running mate, strategists said Monday.

Social conservatives were initially overjoyed that Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) had picked the anti-abortion rights governor. They sent out glowing statements, with some even saying that Palin being on the ticket made it easier for them to vote for McCain.

By Monday, however, Keene, who also writes a column for The Hill, declined to comment on the pregnancy of Palin’s daughter, Bristol.

The Family Research Council (FRC) over the weekend enthusiastically hailed Palin’s spot on the ticket, but on Monday FRC President Tony Perkins put out another statement, this one about teenage pregnancy.

“Unfortunately, teenage pregnancy has become all too common in today’s society, regardless of a family’s economic or social status,” Perkins said in a statement. “It is a problem that we remain committed to reducing through encouraging young people to practice abstinence.”

While the news is likely upsetting for some conservatives, Republican strategists said Monday that the Palin family’s statement could go a long way to soothing any conservative consternation.

“Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We’re proud of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents,” the Palin family said in a statement. “As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support. Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi’s privacy, as has always been the tradition of children of candidates.”

Several conservatives indicated Monday that they were standing by their support of Palin as the GOP’s vice presidential candidate because her daughter is getting married and because she did not have an abortion.

“Fortunately, Bristol is following her mother and father’s example of choosing life in the midst of a difficult situation,” Perkins said. “We are committed to praying for Bristol and her husband-to-be and the entire Palin family as they walk through a very private matter in the eyes of the public.”

FRC Action Senior Vice President Connie Mackey said the news about the out-of-wedlock pregnancy has “absolutely no effect” on their enthusiasm for Palin’s candidacy for vice president.