Rape-slur congressman defies calls to quit election

Republican congressman Todd Akin, under fire for remarks on abortion and rape, today insisted he would not pull out of the Missouri Senate election, despite pressure from party colleagues including presidential contender Mitt Romney.

Mr Akin, who opposes abortion under any circumstances, vowed to stay in the contest against Democrat senator Claire McCaskill, claiming he represents a conservative movement that must be heard.

His campaign created a website seeking donations with a banner stating “I’m pro-life and I stand with Todd Akin.” It featured a picture of a foetus and one of Ms McCaskill with President Barack Obama, but the foetus image was later removed. Mr Akin told a radio show: “We are going to continue in this race for the US Senate.”

Mr Romney called for the congressman to pull out of the election after Mr Akin claimed in a weekend television interview that it was extremely rare for women to get pregnant from “legitimate [real] rape”.

Mr Romney said: “Today, his fellow Missourians urged him to step aside, and I think he should accept their counsel and exit the Senate race.”

The Republican party fears outrage over Mr Akin’s remarks, just a week before it officially nominates Mr Romney to run against Mr Obama, could stop it winning in Missouri.