Republican Congressman Steve King has issued a written statement to “categorically reject” a Missouri Republican’s assertion that in cases of “legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down” and prevent pregnancy.
Congressman Todd Akin is the Missouri Republican Party’s candidate for the U.S. Senate. On Monday, Republican Congressman Steve King urged “respect” for the Akin family and suggested the firestorm over Akin’s remark had been caused by “petty personal attacks.” Today, King issued a written statement saying he has “never heard of and categorically rejects the so-called medical theory that launched this controversy.”
King also lashed out at “the liberal press and their allies” for twisting his words. King’s statement went on to blast a report from KMEG TV in which King is quoted as saying he is not aware of statutory rape victims as young as 12 becoming pregnant. King, in his written statement, said it is “ridiculous, shameful and disgusting” for anyone to suggest he believes a woman, including minors, cannot get pregnant from rape, statutory rape or incest.”
While top Republicans, including Senator Chuck Grassley and the chairman of the Republican National Committee, have called on the Missouri candidate who sparked this controversy to end his campaign so another Republican can run in his place, King’s statement made no direct mention of Akin’s political future. King did conclude his statement by saying political operatives are paid “to assassinate the character of elected officials” like himself.
King’s November opponent, Democrat Christie Vilsack, issued a written statement this afternoon as well. “Congressman King has shown once again that his views are unacceptable,” Vilsack said. “He should condemn views expressed by Congressman Todd Akin.”
Vilsack went on to blast King for not supporting reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, citing the transcript of a House Rules Committee meeting. King is quoted as saying the Violence Against Women Act “demonstrated a certain hostility particularly against men, but also involves itself in the relationship of marriage that I think we should stay out of.”
Vilsack accused King of “turning his back” on issues important to women.
“Policymakers should make it clear that violence against women won’t be tolerated,” Vilsack said, “and that women have the right to make healthcare decisions for themselves.”
Read King’s statement below:
(AMES) – Rep. Steve King (R-Kiron) today issued the following statement in response to false allegations from liberal Web sites:
“I am the grandfather of four granddaughters and one grandson. No one has a stronger pro-life record than I do. No one has a stronger record in Congress for punishing rapists than I do.
“I believe sexual assault is a disgusting, violent crime and those who commit these terrible acts should be severely punished to the fullest extent of the law.
“The liberal press and their allies have again twisted my words. I never said, nor do I believe, a woman, including minors, cannot get pregnant from rape, statutory rape or incest. Suggesting otherwise is ridiculous, shameful, disgusting and nothing but an attempt to falsely define who I am.
“I have never heard of and categorically reject the so-called medical theory that launched this controversy.
“The people who promote these vicious attacks are paid to create lies and to assassinate the character of elected officials.”
Here is Vilsack’s statement:
AMES, IA – Christie Vilsack released the following statement today in response to Congressman Steve King’s remarks regarding Rep. Akin and victims of rape and incest:
“Congressman King has shown once again that his views are unacceptable. He should condemn views expressed by Congressman Todd Akin and make clear his position on abortion when women are the victims of incest or rape. King says that he has never heard of a 12-year-old victim of rape or incest who was pregnant. Tragically, women of all ages are victims of rape. I know there are experts on this issue in law enforcement and in healthcare in his district who would be willing to educate him further about the subject. Policymakers should make it clear that violence against women won’t be tolerated and that women have the right to make healthcare decisions for themselves. From co-sponsoring legislation to redefine rape, to not supporting the Violence Against Women Act because it ‘interferes in the relationship of marriage,’ he shows a pattern of turning his back on issues important to women.”