Rick Santorum Endorses Todd Akin, Despite ‘Legitimate Rape’ Comments
Former Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum backed Todd Akin on Saturday, adding that the entire Republican Party (including MittRomney) should also voice its support for the Missouri Senate candidate, despite his “legitimate rape” scandal.
Santorum held a rally for Romney in the heart of Ohio’s coal country, reports NBC News. Santorum later stated that a victory for Akin would be essential for the GOP to regain control of the Senate, in order to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care law.
Santorum believes that the only way that can happen is if the Republican Party gives Akin its full support. Santorum stated:
“The entire Republican Party should stand up and say, ‘You know what? He’s our candidate, it’s too important for the future of our country not to have a majority of the Senate in this upcoming election. I’m hoping everybody will join in and support the cause.”
The former Pennsylvania senator and onetime presidential candidate joined with South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint, who announced his support of Todd Akin on Wednesday.
Akin has received criticism from both sides of the aisle after he used the term “legitimate rape,” and also after he said that women have a biological ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies during an interview about his views on abortion, notes CNN.
Rick Santorum and Jim DeMint released a joint statement on Wednesday to say:
“If Republicans are to win back the Senate and stop President Obama’s liberal agenda, we must defeat Senator Claire McCaskill in Missouri.”
Days after his infamous interview, the Republican politician ran a TV ad where he stated, “I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize.”
While the National Republican Senatorial Committee was planning on withdrawing their financial support for Akin, a Wednesday statement from the grou’s executive director stated that the group would instead be watching the race. Rob Jesmer stated:
“As with every Republican Senate candidate, we hope Todd Akin wins in November and we will continue to monitor this race closely in the days ahead.”
Along with his endorsement of Todd Akin, Rick Santorum has also endorsed other Senate candidates, like Texan Ted Cruz and Indiana State treasurer Richard Mourdock.
