Embattled GOP Senate candidate Richard Mourdock says he apologizes if anyone misunderstood his comments during Tuesday’s debate in which he said pregnancy resulting from rape was something God intended to happen. But he said Wednesday he won’t apologize for his beliefs.
With occasional tears welling up in his eyes, Richard Mourdock stood before a bank of cameras at state Republican Party headquarters Wednesday and described his experience since the debate as humbling.
He says his apology is only if anyone misinterpreted what he said in the debate.
“For speaking from my heart, for speaking from the deepest level of my faith, I cannot apologize,” Mourdock said. “I would be less than faithful to my faith if I said anything other than life is precious. I believe it is a gift from God.”
A number of leading Republicans, including presidential candidate Mitt Romney, have distanced themselves from Mourdock’s remarks, but Mourdock says he knows there will be people in his own party who disagree with him.
“This is a policy issue in the sense of where you draw the line at exceptions,” Mourdock said. “And I understand his position and I’m sure he understands mine.”
A Mourdock campaign appearance featuring New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte was canceled Wednesday. And Mourdock says he’s had no personal contact with the Romney campaign and will continue to air television ads featuring the former Massachusetts governor offering an endorsement of Mourdock’s run for the Senate.