More politicians call for Akin to drop out of U.S. Senate race - KOAM TV 7

More politicians call for Akin to drop out of U.S. Senate race in Missouri

Several Democrats and Republicans call for a Missouri Senate hopeful to stop his campaign after a comment he made about rape.

Republicans say they want the power in Washington to stand against President Obama's health care plan.

But U.S. Representative Todd Akin vows to keep campaigning for the Senate despite controversial comments he made.

And the power the Republicans say they need in Washington made now be compromised.

The gaffe that left Democrats and Republicans shaking their heads occurred in an interview on August 19 with St. Louis television station, KTVI, when he was asked if abortion should be an option for women who were pregnant due to rape:

"From what I understand from doctors, that's really rare, if it's a legitimate rape the female body has ways to shut down that whole thing."

"I can't see how any rape would be termed legitimate," says Jim Hight of the Newton County Democratic Central Committee.

"I thought the statement was indefensible and I couldn't really understand what he was trying to say," says Nick Myers of the Newton County Republican Central Committee.

On Monday Akin apologized on Mike Huckabee's radio show, as well as in a new campaign ad:

"The mistake was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold.  I ask for your forgiveness."

Akin's opponent, current U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, spoke about his comments.

"You know Congressman Akin and I disagree on some things, but he is sincere and while I disagree with what he said, he has now just in the last few hours really apologized for what he said," McCaskill says.

Akin has vowed to stay in the race for the Missouri Senate even as those in his own party and voters say he's fighting a losing battle.

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney earlier today called on Akin to step down from his bid for senate.

U.S. Senator of Missouri Roy Blunt along with several other prominent Republicans issued this statement calling for Akin to step down:

"We do not believe it serves the national interest for Congressman Todd Akin to stay in this race.  The issues at stake are too big and this election is simply too important.  The right decision is to step aside."