SOUTH BEND - The St. Joseph County Democratic Party on Wednesday called on the local Republican Party to withdraw its support of U.S. Senate candidate Richard Mourdock, after comments he made about rape and abortion during a televised debate.
“I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that is something that God intended to happen,” Mourdock said Tuesday night during the debate.
Mourdock later said he spoke from the heart, and made clear, Wednesday, that he doesn't think god wants rape.
“We knew many of Mr. Mourdock's positions were extreme, but last night’s debate put him in a new category,” said John Broden, a state senator and county Democratic Party chairman.
The St. Joseph County Republican Party fired back in a statement.
"Unlike the local Democrats, we have much better things to do than roll around in the mud,” said Jacob Teshka, executive director of the local Republican Party.
“The St. Joseph County Republican Party stands firmly with Richard Mourdock and with a vast majority of Hoosiers who believe that life begins at conception and that ALL life is precious and valuable,” he wrote.
Democrats say they take issue with the assertion that they're enjoying watching this controversy play out.
“We take no delight in these remarks. We are shocked and appalled by the comments. We are saddened by the comments, disappointed,” said Broder.
