ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Missouri Republican congressman Todd Akin is apologizing for his televised comments in which he said women's bodies are able to prevent pregnancies if they are victims of a "legitimate rape."
Appearing on former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's radio show, Akin said he had "used the wrong words the wrong way." He says rape is "never legitimate" -- and that it's an "evil act" committed by "violent predators."
At least two Republican senators today joined the calls for Akin to leave the Missouri Senate race in which he is challenging Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill.
But Akin says he's "not a quitter."
Still, he may have problems paying for his campaign. An official with the National Republican Senatorial Committee says the head of the group -- Sen. John Cornyn -- called Akin today to tell him that the committee had withdrawn $5 million in advertising it had planned for his campaign.
Cornyn is calling Akin's comments "indefensible," and suggesting he take 24 hours to consider what's best for him, his family and his party.
Mitt Romney has also denounced Akin's comments, telling the National Review they were "insulting, inexcusable and frankly wrong."
President Barack Obama, meanwhile, says Akin's remarks underscore why male politicians should not be making health decisions on behalf of women.
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