On Monday, Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri appeared on the Mike Huckabee radio show “Just Sayin” to explain his “legitimate rape” statement that has caused so much controversy and caused him to lose support for his U.S. Senate bid.
Click here to hear that radio interview in full.
Below are a few excerpts from the radio show:
“Likewise, I care deeply for the victims of people who have been raped. They’re equally vulnerable and a rape is equally tragic. I made that statement in error. Let me be clear. Rape is never legitimate. It’s an evil act committed by violent predators,” Akin told Huckabee. “I used the wrong words int he wrong way. What I said was ill-conceived and it was wrong and for that I apologize.”
Huckabee asked Akin about those who want Akin to drop out of the race.
“I don’t know that I’m the only one in public office who has suffered foot in mouth disease here,” he said. “The good people of Missouri nominated me and I’m not a quitter. My belief is that we are going to take this thing forward. And by the grace of God, we’re going to win this race,” Akin said.
Akin has long been known for his social conservative values. The congressman captured a win in Missouri’s three-way Senate primary earlier this month, beating out businessman John Brunner and former state treasurer Sarah Steelman despite falling behind in the polls just days before the contest.
Huckabee is a conservative talk show host who was Arkansas governor from 1996-2007 and then ran as a candidate in the race for the Republican nomination in 2008.
Related: Akin Apologizes for Controversial Statement About Rape
