Despite calls from Republicans asking him to leave the Missouri Senate race over his comments on rape, Rep. Todd Akin appears to be fighting to maintain his candidacy, cutting a new television ad seeking forgiveness and launching a new online ad campaign.
In the new 30-second ad, Akin speaks directly into the camera. “Rape is an evil act,” he begins. "I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize.” He notes he is the father of two daughters, and acknowledges, “The fact is, rape can lead to pregnancy. The truth is, rape has many victims.”
He concludes: "The mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold. I ask for your forgiveness."
Akin has come under fire for making comments Sunday that in the case of "legitimate rape" the woman's body has a way of protecting itself from becoming pregnant.
The ad is part of a wider campaign by Akin to hold on to his candidacy. Ads appearing on Google and Facebook say “Akin Isn’t Dropping Out” and “Stand With Todd Akin,” with a link to contribute to the campaign, Talking Points Memo reports. An email also went out to supporters on Monday night, carrying the subject line, "I'm in this to the end."
Akin ditched an interview with CNN on Monday night, but as pressure mounted for him to drop out, he took to Facebook later that evening declaring, "I'm announcing today that we're going to stay in!"
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