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updated 11:41 a.m. ET Dec. 4, 2006

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Republican Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas says he's taking the first step toward a presidential bid.

Brownback -- a vigorous opponent of abortion -- is a favorite of the religious right.

He's promising to make "issues of life" a part of his effort to win supporters for his presidential bid -- while also focusing on fiscal restraint and tax reform.

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Brownback says there's a "real need in our country to rebuild the family and renew our culture." And he says there's also "a need for genuine conservatism and real compassion in the national discussion."
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Brownback said he has formed a presidential exploratory committee, which will allow him to travel the country and raise money while gauging support for the GOP nomination.