ST. LOUIS (WordNews.org) Aug. 21, 2012 — While some conservatives, Republicans and Christian groups quickly lined up to urge Missouri Congressman Todd Akin to drop out of his race for Senate, some ministries are criticizing those who rushed to judgment.
“It’s disturbing and disheartening to watch Republicans turn on their Missouri Senate nominee, Rep. Todd Akin,” said Vision America Action President Dr. Rick Scarborough.
GOP nominee Mitt Romney and several current or former U.S. Senators have urged Akin to withdraw in his race for Senate against Sen. Claire McCaskill (D).
Akin said today he plans to stay in the race. Meanwhile, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has told the Congressman that if he stays in, it will pull $2 million from his race.
Akin said in a TV interview said that “legitimate rape” rarely led to pregnancy adding that “the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”
Today, Akin released an ad titled “Forgiveness” in which he admits his word choice was wrong and that rape can lead to pregnancy. As a father of two daughters, he said he wants “tough justice” for rapists.
“Rep. Akin made a comment about rape that’s absolutely indefensible. He made a heartfelt apology. Let’s move on,” Scarborough said. “It’s also important to put this into context. The comment was made in the course of an otherwise admirable defense of the right to life. The Congressman was saying: Don’t punish the child for the rapist. With that, I very much agree.”
The gaffe by Akin has pushed abortion to the forefront of the race, with Romney quickly announcing support for abortion in cases of rape and incest, angering some Christian groups.
“Personhood USA does not endorse political candidates, but we had hoped that Congressman Ryan would be a good influence on Gov. Romney, considering Romney’s liberal abortion record,” explained Jennifer Mason, communications director for Personhood USA. “Reading today that babies conceived in rape should suffer the death penalty under a Romney-Ryan administration is extremely concerning, and indicates that Congressman Ryan’s pro-woman and pro-baby positions would have little influence if he wins the office of Vice President of the United States.”
The group said in December it asked GOP presidential hopefuls to sign a “Personhood Pledge,” affirming the Republican Party platform and following in the steps of President Ronald Reagan. Gov. Mitt Romney declined to sign the prolife pledge.
Some pro-life groups gave Akin an opportunity to apologize before seeking his removal from the race.
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, said rape should never be linked with the word “legitimate.”
“Although I respect the record of Congressman Aikin, especially in the pro-life community, some comments are so offensive and indefensible that one must assume the full consequences and responsibility for making them,” Mahoney said. “Congressman Akin can demonstrate he accepts full responsibility by removing himself from the Missouri Senate race.”
Print
Email
