Todd Akin rape comments prompt GOP to pull campaign funding, calls to exit race

August 21, 2012 - 9:45 am | Category: Politics

Todd Akin is facing increasing pressure from within the Republican party to leave the Missouri Senate race following his “legitimate rape” comments this weekend. The party has pulled funds from his campaign, and he’s been the target of near-unanimous criticism from GOP figures.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney told the National Review, “Congressman Akin’s comments on rape are insulting, inexcusable and, frankly, wrong.”

Conservative Wisconsin senator Ronald H. Johnson said, “Todd Akin’s statements are reprehensible and inexcusable. He should step aside today for the good of the nation.”

Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts — himself facing a tough election battle — is also one of those in his party calling for Akin to withdraw from the race.

Akin has vowed to continue his election battle against incumbent Claire McCaskell, saying, “The good people of Missouri nominated me, and I’m not a quitter.” He has repeatedly apologized for his comments, saying Monday, “This weekend I made a mistake. I used the wrong words in the wrong way. What I said was ill-conceived and it was wrong and for that I apologize.”