Rape row politician refuses to step aside

The would-be US Senator who caused a furore by claiming rape victims could automatically prevent themselves becoming pregnant has refused to abandon his election attempt.

Congressman Todd Akin of Missouri apologised for the comments, saying rape is “never legitimate”, but pledged to continue the race.

The Senate’s top Republican, Mitch McConnell, said the remarks about rape may “prevent him from effectively representing” the Republican Party. At least two Republican senators said he should resign the party’s nomination.

Mr Akin, an anti-abortion six-term congressman, is opposing Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill in the November election. The race is seen as one of the Republicans’ best chances of defeating a Democratic incumbent as they try to gain control of the Senate. Missouri is an increasingly conservative state and Ms McCaskill has been targeted because of her strong ties to President Barack Obama.

“If it was me,” Republican Chairman Reince Priebus said, “I would step aside and let someone else run for that office.”

Mr Akin said: “The good people of Missouri nominated me, and I’m not a quitter,” he said. “And my belief is we’re going to take this thing forward and by the grace of God, we’re going to win this race.”

As his political support waned, Mr Akin also confronted problems paying for his campaign.

The National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee has withdrawn $5 million in advertising planned for the Missouri race.