An abortion-related comment by Indiana Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock is being twisted by his opponents in a "cheap political stunt," says a pro-family leader in The Hoosier State.
Mourdock was asked Tuesday during the final minutes of a debate in New Albany whether abortion should be allowed in cases of rape or incest. "I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that's something God intended to happen," he replied. (See related AP video)
In response to Mourdock's comment, Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly said after the debate that he does not believe "my God, or any God, would intend that to happen."
Mourdock later clarified that he did not believe God intended the rape, but that God is the only one who can create life. He said any attempt to suggest somehow that God preordained rape is "sick and twisted." He added in a statement today that he stands by his statement, abhors any sexual violence, and regrets if his comment left another impression.
Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana, says the national media and liberal politicians are distorting Mourdock's statements and ignoring what the candidate obviously meant.
"It is unfortunate that some in the media and certain political leaders would take the heartfelt words of Richard Mourdock, which were based upon his belief that all life matters to God, and attempt to distort them," Clark says in a press release.
In reference to a similar controversy in the current Senate race in Missouri, Clark adds: "This appears to be a blatant effort to capitalize on a different controversy in another state that stalled the race of another Senate candidate."
The AFA of Indiana leader says it is obvious what Mourdock meant to convey. "To imply that he believes God supports rape is nothing more than a cheap political stunt and a distraction in this tightly contested and vitally important race impacting so many issues that could actually come before the U.S. Senate."
Mourdock and Donnelly have been locked in a tight race since the Republican primary in May, when Mourdock defeated longtime GOP Senator Richard Lugar. Since Mourdock's comments went public, New Hampshire Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte, who was scheduled to campaign with Mourdock on Wednesday, canceled that trip and went to New Hampshire instead.
Romney still support Mourdock
The Associated Press is reporting that Republican Mitt Romney's campaign says he still supports Mourdock after Mourdock said "God intended" pregnancies that result from rape, but the campaign has not asked Mourdock to take down a TV ad featuring Romney.
Romney campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said Wednesday that Romney disagrees with Mourdock's opposition to abortion in cases of rape and incest. But she says Romney still supports Mourdock's bid.
Romney recorded a TV ad supporting Mourdock's bid that began airing in Indiana this week. A Romney official said the campaign has not asked Mourdock to stop airing the ad.
Democrats have called on Romney to disavow support for Mourdock and pull down the TV ad.
Associated Press contributed to this story.