Mourdock denounced, defended

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A remark by U.S. Senate candidate Richard Mourdock that pregnancy as the result of rape "is something that God intended" has generated a flurry of responses from Mourdock's foes and friends.

The Republican state treasurer made the statement Tuesday night in New Albany during a debate with Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-2nd, and Libertarian Andrew Horning.

Mourdock later issued a statement saying, "God creates life, and that was my point. God does not want rape, and by no means was I suggesting that He does."

Democrats, including Donnelly, condemned Mourdock's debate remark, while Republicans and conservatives defended him.

"Richard and I, along with millions of Americans – including even Joe Donnelly – believe that life is a gift from God. To try and construe his words as anything other than a restatement of that belief is irresponsible and ridiculous," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Wednesday in a written statement.

Micah Clark, executive director of the conservative American Family Association of Indiana, said in a statement, "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. ... It is obvious what Richard Mourdock meant to convey."

Among those denouncing Mourdock were Donnelly; Indiana gubernatorial candidate John Gregg; Kevin Boyd, the Democratic congressional candidate in Indiana's 3rd District; and state Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker.

"As a pro-life Catholic, I'm stunned and ashamed that Richard Mourdock believes God intended rape," Parker said in a statement. "Victims of rape are victims of an extremely violent act, and mine is not a violent God."

Donnelly said in a statement after the debate, "What Mr. Mourdock said is shocking, and it is stunning that he would be so disrespectful to survivors of rape."