Johnson calls on Akin to drop from race

Associated Press

Updated: Aug 20, 2012 12:47 PM

MADISON (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is calling on Missouri U.S. Rep. Todd Akin to drop out of the Senate race in that state following comments Akin made about rape.

Akin said in an interview Sunday that women's bodies are able to prevent pregnancies in cases of what he called "a legitimate rape."

Johnson issued a statement Monday calling the comments "reprehensible and inexcusable."

Johnson says Akin "should do the right thing for the nation and step aside today, so Missouri Republicans can put forth a candidate that can win in November."

Republican Tommy Thompson, who is running for the Senate in Wisconsin, says he strongly disapproves of Akin's comments. Thompson says "we all have a moral responsibility to come together in opposition to crimes against women."

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