Rep. Todd Akin offers Missouri voters his apology and asks for their forgiveness in a new television ad released two days after an interview aired in which Akin said that “legitimate rape” rarely causes pregnancy.
“Rape is an evil act,” Akin says in the 30-second spot in which he looks directly into the camera. “I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize.” Akin adds that he has “a compassionate heart for the victims of sexual assault” and acknoledges that “rape can lead to pregnancy.”
Akin apologized for his comment in Monday media interviews and has repeatedly vowed to stay in the race, despite widespread calls from within his own party to step aside. Akin has until 5 p.m. today to do so voluntarily or until Sept. 25th to petition the courts to have his name removed from the ballot. If he does not withdraw from the race by the 25th, he will appear on the ballot.
Akin closes the spot by noting that “the mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold. I ask for your forgiveness.”
In the ad, Akin sounds like a candidate hoping to put the controversial interview behind him, not one that appears ready to end his campaign, which is what most Republicans would prefer to see right now.
Edited By Cen Fox Post Team
