Republican National Committee (RNC) communications director Sean Spicer on Monday called controversial comments by Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) about rape “reprehensible” and “biologically stupid.”
In an interview with MSNBC, Spicer said that Akin’s comments will not distract from Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign and that the RNC will continue to focus on hammering Democrats over jobs and the economy.
Akin, the GOP candidate challenging Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) for her Missouri seat this November, sparked controversy when he said in an interview aired this weekend that pregnancy from rape was "really rare."
“If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down," Akin had said.
The six-term lawmaker later released a statement saying he "misspoke," but Republicans moved quickly to distance themselves from him.
The Romney campaign on Monday criticized Akin’s comments.
"Gov. Romney and Congressman Ryan disagree with Mr. Akin's statement, and a Romney-Ryan administration would not oppose abortion in instances of rape," said spokeswoman Amanda Henneberg in a statement.
Democrats were quick to jump on Akin's comments and sought to tie him to the GOP presidential ticket.
"Rape is rape," said President Obama at a White House press briefing, calling Akin's comments "way out there."
“What I think these comments do underscore is why we shouldn’t have a bunch of politicians, the majority of which are men, making decisions that affect health of women,” he added.
