ST. LOUIS (AP) — Embattled Missouri Rep. Todd Akin apologized for his televised comments that women's bodies are able to prevent pregnancies in "a legitimate rape" situation. But he refused to heed calls to abandon his bid for the Senate.
Akin appeared on former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's radio show Monday, saying his comments were wrong.
During the primary campaign, Akin enhanced his standing with TV ads in which Huckabee praised him as "a courageous conservative" and "a Bible-based Christian" who "supports traditional marriage" and "defends the unborn."
President Barack Obama condemned Akin's rape comments, saying it shows the danger of men deciding women's health issues.
Calls for Akin's exit from the race grew Monday, with at least two Republican senators — Scott Brown of Massachussets and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin — saying Akin should depart.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney called Akin's comments "insulting, inexcusable, and, frankly, wrong."
Democrat Elizabeth Warren said the comments were "reprehensible," and said Akin is in line with a Republican agenda to limit health care, deny women equal pay and cut Planned Parenthood funding.
Akin said he's not a quitter and would continue the race against incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill.
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