Is Congressman Steve King Defending Todd Akin on 'Legitimate Rape' Comments?

While several Republicans are pressuring U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-MO, to drop his bid for U.S. Senate after suggesting that women rarely become pregnant from "legitimate rape," U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, has stood up for his colleague.

It isn't exactly clear what King's feelings are on Akin's statements about rape and pregnancy, but King defends Akin's character. King told Iowa CBS affiliate KMEG that the ruckus over Akin's comments are just a distraction from what's really important.

"Todd Akin is a strong Christian man, with a wonderful family," King said, according to the station.

Here's more: 

"I think this election should be about, how did Todd Akin vote and what did he vote for and what did he stand for and in this case, I'm seeing the same thing, petty personal attacks substituting for strong policy," he said.
 
King supports the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act."  It would ban Federal funding of abortions except in cases of forcible rape. Right now, Medicaid also covers abortions for victims of statutory rape or incest - for example, a 12 year old who gets pregnant.

Congressman King says he's not aware of any young victims like that.
 
"Well I just haven't heard of that being a circumstance that's been brought to me in any personal way, and I'd be open to discussion about that subject matter," he said.

According to a JACO Report clip available on YouTube, Akin said, from what he understood from doctors, that becoming pregnant through rape was rare and “if it's a legitimate rape the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and even Mitt Romney have come out against Akin saying he should be ashamed of himself and that his comments were inexcusable, as reported on Huffington Post.

Akin has since apologized and said in a campaign ad that he made a serious mistake.

“Rape is an evil act I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize. ... Fact is rape can lead to pregnancy. The truth is rape has many victims. The mistake I made is in the words I said not in the heart I hold.”

Christie Vilsack's campaign manager Jessica Vanden Berg sent an email to voters Monday saying that King owed people a straight answer on whether rape victims could become pregnant after he “dodged” the question during a recent town hall meeting.

According to the email, when King was first asked about Akin's comments, he said, "Whether he has misspoken or whether he has a position that we would have trouble agreeing on, I don't know that."

Vilsack said in a prepared statement that King's views are not accepted:

"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."

King's campaign didn't immediately respond to questions about King's relationship with Akin, but released a statement Monday stating that his words had been twisted:

“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 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.”

None of the comments directly mention Akin. King endorsed Akin's Senate bid four months ago. King is a strong proponent of pro life and was endorsed by The National Right to Life Committee last week and the Susan B Anthony List in December. The latter is a committee that aims to help pro-life women “gain election to Congress.”