Pregnancy From Rape Like Illegitimate Kid: GOP Hopeful

Tom Smith is running for Senate in Pennsylvania
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 27, 2012 4:20 PM CDT
Pregnancy From Rape Like Illegitimate Kid: GOP Hopeful
Senate candidate Tom Smith speaks Thursday, July 19, 2012, in Philadelphia. Smith is challenging Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Well, it turns out that if legitimate rape could result in pregnancy, it's basically the same thing as an unmarried woman being pregnant, at least according to the latest ill-advised Republican to touch the subject with a 10-foot pole. The Republican in question is Tom Smith, who is running for the Pennsylvania Senate seat currently held by Bob Casey. The soundbite came today as he attempted to distance himself from Todd Akin's comments when asked how he would handle a daughter or granddaughter who became pregnant as a result of rape, reports the Huffington Post.

Smith responded that his family had already "lived something similar to that. She chose life, and I commend her for that," he said. "She knew my views. But, fortunately for me, I didn't have to ... she chose the way I thought. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't rape." What was it? "Having a baby out of wedlock." And that's similar? "No, no, no. Put yourself in a father's position. Yes, it is similar." Full audio of the exchange, including when reporters circled back to the question, is here. (More Tom Smith stories.)

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