General

Akin asks for forgiveness in YouTube clip

Six-term conservative Missouri congressman Todd Akin, who landed in hot water for saying that women can’t get pregnant from “legitimate rape,” has released an ad apologizing for his remarks.

“Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way, and for that I apologize,” he says in the ad, released online. “I have a compassionate heart for the victims of sexual assault, and I pray for them. The fact is, rape can lead to pregnancy.”

The video’s title on YouTube is Forgiveness. WATCH:

Akin’s remarks on “legitimate rape” have seriously jeopardized his campaign in the Missouri Senate race, with fellow Republicans withdrawing financial support. The race is key for the GOP, which could seize control of the upper house of Congress if a Republican wins. That’s one reason why Republicans have been calling on Akin to resign and let the party replace him with another candidate with better prospects of defeating the Democratic incumbent, Claire McCaskill.

Akin is facing pressure to drop out by 5 p.m. today, but insists he has no intention to do so.

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