Mo. Rep. Akin highlights faith in fundraising plea

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Republican Congressman Todd Akin is highlighting his Christian faith while asking for help in reviving his Senate campaign.

A fundraising appeal sent Wednesday by Akin notes he has asked both God and voters for forgiveness for comments that women's bodies have a way of avoiding pregnancy in cases of what he called "legitimate rape." Akin is continuing his Missouri campaign despite enormous party pressure to drop his challenge of Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill.

In the appeal, Akin writes that the media, "Washington elites" and "party bosses" are all against him. He implores people to support his "conservative voice" with a $5 donation.

The National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee and the conservative Crossroads group said they would end their ad support if Akin stayed in the race.