Tweet

Rating: 0.0 (0 votes)

• • 

Related Articles

• Local Leader Reacts to Akin's Request for Forgiveness
• Todd Akin Releases Apology Ad
• Deadline Intensifies Pressure on Missouri Congressman
• Talk Turns to Akin's Withdrawal from Senate Race
• Akin Admits He Was Wrong in Rape Comments
• Nixon Criticizes Akin's Comments
• Akin: "Legitimate Rape" Rarely Results in Pregnancy

MISSOURI - Despite several calls from Republican and Democractic leaders to abandon his bid for U.S. Senate, Todd Akin confirmed on Mike Huckabee's radio show Tuesday that he won't drop out of the race. Even though the Congressman says he'll stay in the race, the backlash against his comments on rape continue.

Four former Missouri U.S. Senators are calling for Akin to step aside following an interview Sunday at KTVI-TV in St. Louis. John Ashcroft, Kit Bond, John Danforth, and Jim Talent released called Akin's statements "totally unacceptable" and issued this joint statement:

"We do not believe it serves the national interest for Congressman Todd Akin to stay in this race. The issues at stake are too big, and this election is simply too important. The right decision is to step aside."

Akin's comments have sparked national controversy centered his use of the words "legitimate rape." On Sunday Akin said: "It seems to me, first of all, from what I understand from doctors that's really rare. If it's a legitimate rape the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down."

Akin had until 5p.m. Tuesday to announce if he would step aside from the race or not. If he decides to step aside later, it would take a court order to take him off the ballot.

The backlash from Akin's own party continued Tuesday afternoon. The U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell issued this statement calling for Akin to step aside.

"Congressman Akin made a deeply offensive error at a time when his candidacy carries great consequence for the future of our country. In his heart of hearts, I'm certain that he is sincerely sorry for what he said but in this instance, when the future of our country is at stake, sorry is not sufficient. To continue serving his country in the honorable way he has served throughout his career, it is time for Congressman Akin to step aside."

American Crossroads President and CEO Steven Law also continued to voice his disdain for Congressman Akin's Senate campaign releasing this statement:

"Rep. Akin faces a simple choice: Will he help Democrats hold the McCaskill seat and potentially the Senate majority by staying in the race, or will he help Republicans defeat Barack Obama's most reliable ally in the Senate by getting out?"