The new GOP poster boy for the war on women could really damage Mitt Romney's White House hopes.
On Tuesday, Richard Mourdock, the GOP Senate nominee in Indiana, suggested that when rape results in pregnancy, it's somehow all part of God's plan. Romney has endorsed Mourdock, and even cut a direct-to-camera ad for him.
Democrat Rep. Gwen Moore—who delivered a powerful floor speech earlier this year in which she recounted her own history of being sexually assaulted as a young woman—told Hardball’s Chris Matthews on Wednesday that she was deeply disappointed by Mourdock’s remarks about rape and pregnancy.
The Wisconsin lawmaker said Mourdock’s statement was illustrative of Republicans who "will totally eviscerate the rights of women to control their own destiny.” She also chastised GOPers who believe women use rape an “excuse or loophole” to get an abortion.
Howard Fineman, an msnbc contributor, said the remarks could mean trouble for Romney, who confirmed Wednesday he's still supporting Mourdock.
Abortion is the number one issue for many independent women in several key states, like Colorado, New Hampshire and Virginia, said Fineman.
“If Mitt Romney is saying that he’s a bipartisan, that he wants bipartisanship, and if he says he’s a moderate, which he said in all those debates, being in league with Richard Mourdock doesn’t strengthen his argument, that’s for sure,” said Fineman.
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