Akin apologized for his gaffe , saying he " misspoke . " His campaign ran an advertisement in which he asked voters to forgive him , saying : Rape is an evil act . I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize . As the father of two daughters , I want tough justice for predators . I have a compassionate heart for the victims of sexual assault . I pray for them . The fact is , rape can lead to pregnancy . The truth is , rape has many victims . The mistake I made was in the words I said , not in the heart I hold . I ask for your forgiveness . The incident was seen as having an impact on Akin 's senate race and the Republicans ' chances of gaining a majority in the U.S. Senate , by making news in the week before the 2012 Republican National Convention and by " shift ing the national discussion to divisive social issues that could repel swing voters rather than economic issues that could attract them "
2012 Republican National Convention
2012 Republican National Convention
Todd Akin