Johnson calls on Akin to drop out of race

MADISON (AP) - Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is calling on Missouri U.S. Rep. Todd Akin to drop out of the Senate race in that state following comments Akin made about rape .

Akin said in an interview Sunday that women's bodies are able to prevent pregnancies in cases of what he called "a legitimate rape."

Johnson issued a statement Monday calling the comments "reprehensible and inexcusable."

Johnson says Akin "should do the right thing for the nation and step aside today, so Missouri Republicans can put forth a candidate that can win in November."

Republican Tommy Thompson, who is running for the Senate in Wisconsin, says he strongly disapproves of Akin's comments. Thompson says "we all have a moral responsibility to come together in opposition to crimes against women."