UPDATE: 12:30pm (EST)
In a press conference this morning, Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock said he “spoke from his heart” and “cannot apologize” for the controversial statement he made yesterday calling rape pregnancies a “gift” that “God intended.” Instead, he apologized for the fact that his words have been misconstrued.
He began stating:
“Life is precious, I believe that to the marrow of my bones … God is the author of all life.” He continued, “I absolutely abhor violence. I abhor any kind of sexual violence. I abhor rape. The God that I worship would never want to see evil done.”
The Indiana state treasurer went on to say, “The comments were made, the comments have been misunderstood.”
“If it was because of a lack of clarity in my words, I truly regret it.” Adding, “If they came away with any impression other than that I truly regret it. I apologize if they came away. I’ve certainly been humbled by the fact that so many people think that somehow was an interpretation.”
The Romney campaign has also confirmed that they will not pull their support for Mourdock in a statement:
Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock, and Mr. Mourdock’s comments do not reflect Gov. Romney’s views. We disagree on the policy regarding exceptions for rape and incest but still support him.
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Indiana state treasurer Richard Mourdock is the latest GOP member to make a shocking statement about rape and restricting a woman’s right to choose.
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Mourdock, who is running for the Indiana Senate seat while being endorsed by Mitt Romney, said that the life created during rape is something that “God intended.” He made this comment last night during a debate against Democrat Joe Donnell, when asked if abortions should be permitted in cases or rape or incest.
“I struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize that life is that gift from God. And, I think, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen,” said Mourdock.
After the comment, Romney made it clear that he does not back Mourdock’s remark or belief about outlawing abortions in rape cases, however he did not say whether or not he will continue to support the candidate or pull his endorsement ad.
“Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock’s comments, and they do not reflect his views,” said Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul in a statement.
It started with Todd Akin’s “legitimate rape” assertion, then Rep. Joe Walsh said that “the life of a mother” is not a reason to permit abortion, and now this. These Republicans are off their rockers!
