Donnelly, Gregg respond to Mourdock debate comment

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WANE) - The following statements are reprinted verbatim.

John Gregg released the following statement Tuesday, in response to Richard Mourdock's comments in tonight's debate that "even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that is something God intended":

"I was shocked by Richard Mourdock's comments regarding survivors of rape.  Rape is rape, and statements like these rub salt in the wounds of sexual assault survivors everywhere."

"Unfortunately this extreme way of thinking has found its way into our political discourse more and more. Hoosiers have a choice in this election between honoring the Mitch Daniels truce on social issues, and the uncompromising, Pence-Mourdock Tea Party extremism on display tonight. Congressman Pence did not stand up when Mourdock attacked Richard Lugar in the primary and he did not take a stand against Todd Akin this fall."

Gregg's running mate Senator Vi Simpson said, "As a woman and a mother, I was appalled by Richard Mourdock's insensitive and incendiary comments tonight. Congressman Pence has stood with Mourdock on this issue before. As Election Day approaches, Hoosier voters deserve to know whether or not Congressman Pence shares Mourdock's extreme beliefs." 

+++++

Today (Tuesday), Joe Donnelly, candidate for U.S. Senate, released the following statement in regards to Richard Mourdock’s comment regarding rape in the debate this evening.

"I think rape is a heinous and violent crime in every instance,” said Donnelly. “The God I believe in and the God I know most Hoosiers believe in, does not intend for rape to happen--ever.  What Mr. Mourdock said is shocking, and it is stunning that he would be so disrespectful to survivors of rape."

When asked about the three candidates’ shared pro-life stances, Mourdock said, "I've struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize that life is that gift from god. And even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape,that it is something that God intended to happen."

+++++